Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What is a big break? Is it really a big break?
So often when we see success in others – and even in ourselves – it appears that there was a big break. We feel that some opportunity came along that just changed the game.
This is why we often feel that we’re going to be “saved” by someone or some opportunity. We wait for this to happen while maybe taking some steps along the way. This feeds the thought of “when I have xyz, I will be happy” because we feel that maybe success comes from some work and a big break so we just need to wait for that big break to come along.
We may even get frustrated by seeing the “big breaks” of others and feeling that ours isn’t coming soon enough.
I hate to break it to you…
The “big break” is really the result of several small actions that start to add up over time.
You can’t rush a strong foundation
In a world where products and information are at our fingertips, it’s hard not to expect instant gratification. It’s why so many people give up on their dreams before they even give them a chance. But strong foundations take time.
Let me put it in terms of a literal foundation to drive the point home.
I wanted the foundation poured for my house as early as possible but kept being told not to rush pouring the concrete when it was too cold. After the foundation was finally poured, I thought that I’d quickly see my house start to materialize.
But then it just… sat there…
For about a month, I was going crazy while the foundation set before other progress could continue. Building a literal foundation and a metaphorical foundation are both time-consuming.
I started my writing journey back in January and didn’t make any money until October. It would’ve been easy to give up but I:
- Kept writing and posting my blog every week.
- Kept showing up for my Mastermind and coaching sessions with Rasa DiSalvo.
- Kept working on my social media strategy.
- Kept investing in resources for my own development and the development of my target audience
- Kept making tweaks on the journey toward my dreams.
While this didn’t translate to dollars at first, these were crucial components to the eventual dollars. This consistency and learning put a strong foundation in place for both skills and mindset.
There will be peaks and valleys
When you build a house, there are phases that seem to go quickly and phases that seem to drag on forever. When the framing starts after the foundation sets, it’s like watching your house materialize before your eyes. But then when it comes time for drywall, it seems like it drags on as it is hung, taped, and dries. I would get so excited during the fast phases only to be discouraged by the slow phases.
The same will be true in your journey. You’re likely to feel like you’ve finally hit a break only to find yourself back down in the valley again a short time later. On my own journey, there were several times when I thought I finally had my break, just to have those opportunities not fully materialize.
Those are the times when it’s easiest to maybe feel like you aren’t on the right journey after all, but even so, if you know you would love what you’re working towards, you just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other and pushing forward. Ed Mylett’s The Power of One More (links to Hardcover and Kindle) is a great resource for this motivation.
Consistency in effort is key
There are a lot of ways to be consistent, but consistency in effort is the most important. What you do each day contributes to your foundation whether you realize it or not. The converse is also true. What you do (or don’t do) each day can also start to break down your foundation.
With enough consistency, you will get your “big break,” and at that time, you will be able to truly appreciate all the progress you were making along the way, even if that progress wasn’t materializing in the form of money or other tangible reward. You will see that the consistency led to the big break, not luck.
The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (links to hardcover and Audible) is a fantastic resource to demonstrate how small consistent efforts can lead to huge results – both positive and negative – depending on the type of consistency you are practicing.
Consistency isn’t necessarily fun or glamorous but it’s effective!
I am a writer and storyteller at heart and love to help other business owners unlock their authenticity and freedom by taking care of the words and allowing them to focus on their passions. If you’re looking to start your business or take your business to the next level, subscribe to my email list and follow me on LinkedIn.
Disclosure: I only recommend products/services I would use myself and feel might benefit you as well. This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.