USAIN Bolt, the world’s fastest man, once said: “I trained for four years to run nine seconds and people give up when they do not see results in two months.”
Four years of work for just nine seconds of glory is the reality of success. But most people want results without the grind. They expect instant gratification, overlooking the silent struggles, setbacks and doubts that are part of any meaningful journey.
The road to success is not a straight path; it is winding, steep and sometimes lonely. The question is not whether you can achieve your goal, but whether you will stay committed when the finish line is not in sight.
Success is built in the unseen moments and places — the early mornings, the late nights, the sacrifices no one acknowledges.
Every great achievement is backed by years of patience, resilience and perseverance. Too often, people quit just because they do not see immediate results. They start a business and expect profits in a month, hit the gym and expect six-pack abs in weeks, or begin writing a book and abandon it when the words do not flow smoothly.
The truth is, success demands more than just enthusiasm; it requires an unwavering commitment even when progress feels invisible.
One of the greatest misconceptions about success is that it follows a linear path. In reality, it is a rollercoaster ride filled with setbacks.
Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team. That could have been the end of his story. Instead, he used the rejection as fuel, practising harder than ever. Years later, he became a six-time NBA champion and an icon. His journey was not smooth, but his resilience defined his greatness.
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Similarly, JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, faced multiple rejections before her book was finally accepted by a publisher. She was a single mother, struggling financially and had every reason to give up. Yet, she persisted. Today, her books have sold over 500 million copies worldwide. Her success did not come overnight — it was built through years of perseverance and belief in her vision.
Success requires patience. Most people underestimate how long it takes to master a skill, build a brand or achieve financial stability.
It is easy to be motivated at the beginning when everything is fresh and exciting. But what happens when progress slows, when obstacles appear, when self-doubt creeps in? That is where true character is tested.
Winners are not the ones who never struggle; they are the ones who struggle but refuse to quit.
Every journey comes with moments of doubt. There will be days when you question if the effort is worth it. There will be times when giving up seems like the easiest option. But real growth happens in those moments.
It happens when you push forward despite the fear, despite the failures, despite the lack of visible progress.
The greatest victories belong to those who refuse to quit, even when everything tells them to stop.
Think about something you have been working towards. Maybe it is a career goal, a personal project or a fitness journey. Does it feel like progress is slow? Do you sometimes feel like giving up?
If so, remind yourself that every step forward, no matter how small, is still progress. The finish line may not always be in sight, but that does not mean it does not exist. Stay committed. Keep showing up. Success is not about speed — it is about endurance.
History is filled with people who kept going when others would have quit.
We are told that Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, failed thousands times before he found the right formula. When asked about his failures, he famously said: “I have not failed. I have just found 10 000 ways that won’t work.” That mindset is what separates the successful from the rest. They do not see setbacks as signs to stop; they see them as lessons to grow.
We live in a world of instant gratification, where patience is undervalued.
Social media shows overnight success stories, but rarely the years of struggle behind them.
People see the medals, the awards, the book deals, the thriving businesses — but they do not see the sleepless nights, the rejections, the failures, the doubts.
Success is not just about talent or luck; it is about persistence, discipline and resilience.
So, what is something you have been working towards that deserves your patience? Whatever it is, understand that the journey will test you. You will have moments of frustration. You will want to quit. But remember, success is not about achieving results quickly — it is about having the endurance to keep going when results take longer than expected.
If Bolt could train for four years for a nine-second race and become a world champion, surely, you can stay committed to your goal, even when the finish line is not in sight yet. Stay patient. Stay committed. Your moment of glory will come.
- Cliff Chiduku is the director of marketing, information and public relations at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in Mutare. He writes here in his personal capacity. He can be contacted on cchiduku@gmail.com or call/app +263775716517.
