#ILLUMINATION100CHALLENGE — DAY 2
Will You Wait 20 Years For Success?
2 Famous Examples of Success To Those Who Wait…
Would you wait 20 years for success?
In today’s age of instant gratification via social media, Instacart, and 2-day door deliveries we have forgotten the value of hard work and perseverance. Everyone is looking for instant success, money, fame, and fortune. We almost belittle the ones who want to take the slow route to success — study, work hard, save and become rich.
The internet too magnifies such overnight success stories — teenagers making millions from YouTube or TikTok, startups getting acquired for billions before making any sales, and other one-hit wonders.
Even writers on Medium seem to give up if they don’t have a viral article or earn $1000 per month in their first 3 months. Life rewards also work on the principle of compound interest — it does take time.
So here are two stories of success that took a long time coming:
#1. Youngest Senator, Oldest President:
Joe Biden, the current President of the United States entered politics as a young Senator from Delaware in 1972, at age 29. However, he became President in 2021 only at age 78, almost 50 years later.
True, he has had a long and illustrious career. However, even during the 2020 elections, there were many naysayers who jeered him of attempting such a campaign at such an advanced age.
2) Part-Time Writer For 25 Years:
James Patterson published his first book at age 27. However, he did not have a bestseller until he was 40 and became a full-time writer only at age 47.
I am totally convinced that Patterson is a brilliant author because he was able to use his life experiences better entertain his readers. In fact, all new writers should pursue alternate full-time work for at least a couple of years to nurture and polish their writing chops.
To read more about how James Patterson created a million-dollar book empire, read this article by Jack Turner, MBA.
In conclusion, please consider these stories a reminder that sometimes rewards come late. Don’t give up on your dreams just yet!