Success is NOT a Straight Line

In a world obsessed with instant success and fast results, it’s easy to believe that achieving our goals is a simple, linear process. We set a goal, work hard, and voilà—we achieve it. But as many of us know, reality tells a different story. Did you know that over 70% of people abandon their goals because they feel they’ve "failed" early on? This disillusionment comes from the assumption that progress should be smooth and predictable.

The above image speaks volumes. It beautifully illustrates the messy, winding path that success often takes—a path filled with doubts, failures, and struggles before the ultimate reward. Let's delve into what it means to pursue and achieve goals, and how you can embrace the rollercoaster of growth rather than shy away from it.

The Illusion of a Straight Path

At first glance, the top part of the image represents how we often imagine success—a straight line from goal-setting to achievement. In reality, this perception is flawed. When setting a new goal, be it personal or professional, we’re often excited and motivated. We create a plan, tell ourselves it’s going to work, and expect to progress step by step.

However, the challenge is not in planning but in the execution. Plans change, obstacles arise, and you find yourself doubting the very goal you set. For instance, entrepreneurs launching a startup often believe success will follow their strategic milestones, but soon they’re facing unexpected market conditions, cash flow issues, and unforeseen competition. A straight line? Far from it.

Learning and Failing Are Necessary Loops

As the second part of the image shows, there are loops—learning, practicing, failing—that repeat themselves. This messy phase is what I like to call “productive struggle.” Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every failure is a stepping stone to improvement.

Consider the world of athletes. The best athletes don’t just show up and win medals. They practice relentlessly, experience setbacks like injuries, and continuously refine their techniques. The failure you experience in your journey doesn’t mean you’re off track—it often means you’re growing.

Some of the most successful people attribute their triumphs to their failures. Famous author J.K. Rowling was rejected 12 times before publishing "Harry Potter," yet she learned from every rejection and adjusted her approach. She allowed the loops of learning and failing to propel her forward rather than define her setbacks.

Struggle Leads to Mastery

One of the key aspects of the image is the loop marked "Struggling." This is the critical phase when many of us are tempted to quit. The feeling of being lost or overwhelmed often signals that we're on the verge of a breakthrough. We are closer to our goal than we think. But this is where grit matters most—where resilience is built and where mastery takes shape.

Take the example of learning a new skill. Whether you're trying to master data analysis, leadership, or a new language, the process is challenging. You might feel like you're not progressing, but every small step forward, every repeated attempt, and every struggle refines your abilities. As we struggle, we internalize lessons and develop the competence needed to achieve mastery.

My own winding path to Success

Having spent 12+ years as a Freelance Business Consultant, Business Analyst, Project Manager, Trainer, and Mentor, I’ve encountered my fair share of twists and turns. Working with a diverse range of clients and industries, from startups to educational institutions and consulting with companies, the road to success has rarely been straightforward. Each project—whether it was designing a training curriculum, conducting workshops, or mentoring students—came with its unique challenges, forcing me to adapt and refine my approach continuously.

One particular project that stands out was developing a 30-hour business analysis training program for college students and business professionals. I had a clear vision of the curriculum, but halfway through the process, I realized the content wasn’t engaging enough for my target audience. I was faced with self-doubt, questioning whether I could meet the program’s objectives. However, instead of abandoning the project, I took a step back, sought feedback from previous trainees, and restructured the entire course. This iterative process—facing failure, learning, and adjusting—ultimately led to a highly successful program that is now in high demand.

The experiences have shaped my understanding of growth. The challenges, the constant need for recalibration, and the failures are what make the eventual success more rewarding. Every struggle, whether big or small, has contributed to making me more resilient and adaptable as a consultant and trainer.

This journey has not only allowed me to grow professionally but has also enabled me to help others—whether it’s guiding a company to streamline its operations or mentoring students to achieve their career goals. Embracing these struggles has been key to my development, and it’s what I encourage others to do in their journey.

I have navigated various industries and helped professionals overcome similar hurdles. Whether you're an entrepreneur launching your next venture, a student setting ambitious goals, or an organization striving for operational excellence, I can provide the guidance you need to keep moving forward. I understand the complexity of growth and can offer insights to help you through the learning, practicing, and struggling phases of your journey.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Embrace the loops of failure and learning – Expect failure and see it as an opportunity to refine your skills.
2. Celebrate small wins – Each small victory on your journey is progress. Don’t wait until the final achievement to recognize your growth.
3. Stay resilient in the struggle – The most challenging part of any journey is the moment right before success. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like you're stuck.

Reach out to discuss how we can strategize for success, build resilience, and embrace the winding road ahead. What’s been the most challenging part of your journey towards success? Let’s share our experiences and support each other through the ups and downs. Comment below with your thoughts, and let's start a conversation on how to navigate the struggle together.