“Those who go incrementally over a long period of time often end up with something big.”

B. Stulberg and S. Magness

How many times have we shared our success stories? Admit it, we’ve all been proud of something whether a fitness feat, an awesome project, or the next career promotion. We want to bask in the moment because it feels great. Now take that exact same success story. Has anyone asked about what it took to get there? Has anyone asked you about your failures along the journey? Has anyone been there for you, encouraging you when you have wanted to give up?

Time and time again we only see the glimpse of someone’s journey by seeing their success. We see a picture-perfect story, often being happy for them but sometimes turning to envy. What do you do with this envy? Do you take it and make something positive of it? Do you change your journey and excel to success? Do you ask what challenges were encountered along the way?

Moments of success often follow periods of failures. Success does not happen overnight. It is not a “go big or go home” phenomenon. Success is pouring blood, sweat, and tears into your burning passions that makes hanging on to the edge of a cliff possible. The desire to reach the summit keeps us going. We may need a lifeline, a rope to cling to, or a light of hope to see in the dark. However, the passion of striving for success keeps us alive when the going gets tough.

Success does have it challenges, the ups and downs, filled with energy and exhaustion. We often don’t share these moments or savor these memories, but they too are key part of success. For without struggle, there can be no success. Have you asked someone that you view as successful about their moments of struggle?

Along with struggle, the climb to success is filled with fear. Did we make the right move? Did we choose the right path? When the avalanche hits, will we survive another storm? Will we survive that one more boulder bounding down the path? “When fear dies, you begin to live.” ¹

When we overcome our fears, the extra momentum kicks in like a jolt of caffeine. The thrill of reaching the top keeps us relentlessly moving forward, one step at a time. We become invincible to the same thoughts that led us astray.

The road to success is not straight, but “those who go incrementally over a long period of time often end up with something big.” ¹ Something big is called a breakthrough, a moment in time when the world feels right. Something big is called a win. Something big is called happiness. Yet these are the things that only others see and desire. It is only inside ourselves do we truly appreciate the journey to the top for that one shining moment.

Next time you view someone’s success, realize that there is more to the picture than what you see. I encourage you to turn your envy into inquiry.

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1. Stulberg B, Magness S. The Passion Paradox. New York (NY): Rodale; 2019. 167 p.