The Grind is Real: How to Keep Going When You’re Not Seeing Results

Hey there, Fellow Outsider,

We all hear about the highlights—the startup that went from zero to hero, the entrepreneur who hit a breakthrough after years of hard work. But what you don’t hear as much about is the grind. You know, the middle part, when the excitement has faded, progress feels slow, and results aren’t anywhere in sight.

This is the part no one likes to talk about. And trust me, it’s the hardest part of the journey. It’s when you’re working late nights, facing constant rejection, and wondering if you’re just fooling yourself. It’s when doubt creeps in and whispers, “Is this even worth it?”

I’ve been there—more times than I care to admit. And I want to remind you of one simple truth: Success doesn’t happen overnight.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

Entrepreneurship is a ride with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster at an amusement park. There are days when you feel invincible, like you’re on the verge of your big break. And then, there are days when everything seems to be falling apart—when the sales aren’t coming in, the feedback is brutal, or that long-anticipated deal falls through.

It’s easy to keep going when the wins are rolling in. But when you’re in the grind and the results aren’t there, it feels like running uphill in the rain. There were times I felt like throwing in the towel—moments when my belief in my vision wavered, and all I could see were the obstacles in front of me.

But here’s the thing: That’s when resilience is built.

Pushing Through the Doubt

So how do you keep going when the doubt is louder than your ambition? Here’s what helped me:

• Focus on Small Wins: When the big milestones seem out of reach, look for small victories. Maybe it’s a positive email from a customer, a new connection made, or even just making it through a tough week. Celebrate those small wins—they add up.
• Remember Your “Why”: When the going gets tough, remind yourself why you started in the first place. What was the vision that made you take the leap? Reconnect with that purpose, and let it fuel you on those hard days.
• Lean on Your Support System: Being an outsider doesn’t mean going it alone. Reach out to mentors, friends, or fellow entrepreneurs who get it. Sometimes, all it takes is an outside perspective to remind you that you’re not as far off as you think.

The Slow Build is Still a Build

I know it’s tempting to look for shortcuts or expect quick results. But here’s the truth: There’s no such thing as an overnight success. What looks like a sudden rise is almost always the result of years of unseen effort. It’s the grind that no one claps for, the sacrifices that go unnoticed.

Success is like a plant—most of the growth happens underground before you ever see that first sprout break through the soil. Those roots are getting stronger, digging deeper, building the foundation for what’s to come.

So if you’re in the grind right now, feeling like you’re stuck in the mud, know this: You’re growing. You’re building the roots that will support your future success. Keep showing up. Keep pushing forward. The results might not be visible yet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t on their way.

Final Thoughts

The grind is real, and it’s not always pretty. It’s messy, it’s tiring, and it’s full of uncertainty. But it’s also where resilience is born, where breakthroughs are made, and where success takes shape—one unglamorous step at a time.

Remember, it’s not about seeing results right away; it’s about staying committed when you can’t see them yet. Keep grinding, keep believing, and trust that your hard work will pay off.

Until next time, stay resilient,

Folajomi

The Outsider

I help ENTREPRENEURS, business owners, and SMEs access resources, solve CHALLENGES, and secure LOANS to scale and build a productive, thriving entrepreneurial ECOSYSTEM

Through my Business Clinic, you’ll get access to a FREE personalized 45-minute session, where I will work directly with you to troubleshoot your business problems and deliver actionable solutions to help you scale, secure funding, improve productivity, and thrive.

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