For the longest time, it feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. The grind is relentless—long nights, early mornings, countless setbacks, and the ever-present voice in your head asking, Is this even working? But then, something changes. A shift. A small win. A sign that all the effort, the persistence, the unwavering belief in your vision is finally starting to pay off.
Progress rarely announces itself with fanfare. Instead, it whispers. It shows up in subtle moments—a conversation that sparks a new opportunity, a breakthrough idea that suddenly makes sense, or the simple realization that what once felt impossible is now second nature.
It’s easy to overlook these signs when you’re deep in the trenches. Too often, we focus on the massive milestones, the big wins, and the final destination. But success is built in layers. It’s the accumulation of tiny victories—each step forward, no matter how small, compounds over time. It’s the email that gets a response when before, they all went unanswered. It’s the unexpected praise from someone you respect. It’s the feeling that, somehow, you’re no longer just running in place.
The key is persistence. Sticking with it, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Because beneath the surface, momentum is building. Every effort you put in, every lesson learned from failure, every hour spent honing your craft—none of it is wasted. Growth isn’t always visible until suddenly, it is.
I’ve seen this unfold in my own journey. Whether it’s launching new ventures, writing, or taking on challenges that push me beyond my comfort zone, progress has never been linear. There were moments I questioned everything. But then, little by little, the pieces started to fit.
If you’re in that phase where things feel stagnant, don’t lose heart. Keep showing up. Keep putting in the work. Trust that the foundation you’re building is stronger than you realize. Because one day, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. And it won’t have been luck or coincidence—it will have been you, refusing to give up.
The shift is coming. Keep going.
Photo by David Gavi
