When Maria Popova's Brain Pickings turned seven a few years ago, she documented seven of the most important things she'd learned along the way. (She's built an audience of millions and turned her blog into a career, so it's worth listening to what she has to say.)
Here's an excerpt, but be sure to check out the rest.
7. “Expect anything worthwhile to take a long time.”
This is borrowed from the wise and wonderful Debbie Millman, for it’s hard to better capture something so fundamental yet so impatiently overlooked in our culture of immediacy. The myth of the overnight success is just that — a myth — as well as a reminder that our present definition of success needs serious retuning.
As I’ve reflected elsewhere, the flower doesn’t go from bud to blossom in one spritely burst and yet, as a culture, we’re disinterested in the tedium of the blossoming. But that’s where all the real magic unfolds in the making of one’s character and destiny.
If you're as fascinated by Maria Popova as I am, check out this interview with The Great Discontent and her episode on the Tim Ferriss podcast.
Have a great day!
Jimmy
Swipe File is a short newsletter that delivers a small dose of inspiration each week.