Why True Growth Takes Time?

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the illusion of instant success. We often see people at the top of their game—whether in their careers, personal lives, or other endeavors—and wonder, How did they get there so fast?

But the truth is, behind every "overnight success" is a long journey filled with hard work, setbacks, and personal growth. In this newsletter, I want to share my own experiences and offer a reminder: success takes time, and it’s okay to be patient with yourself.

1. Chasing the Outcome, Not the Process

When I look at role models like Dr. Tara Swart or Roxie Nafousi, I often catch myself focusing on their current success, forgetting all the hard work and dedication it took for them to get there. It’s easy to get lost in the comparison game, looking only at the end result, rather than the journey that led to it. But I’ve learned that success is more about the process than the destination.

2. My Journey Through Setbacks

After completing my master’s in Clinical Psychology, I had my heart set on clearing the MPhil entrance exam to become a licensed clinical psychologist. But things didn’t go as planned. I didn’t clear the exam, and for a while, I felt stuck.

I struggled, questioned my path, and wondered if I was heading in the right direction. But life has a funny way of unfolding when you least expect it. I decided to enroll in an advanced diploma in child guidance counseling, and to my surprise, I absolutely love the course! This experience taught me that even when things don’t go according to plan, they can still lead you to something better if you keep going and trust the process.

3. Shifting Goals and Evolving Ambitions

One of the biggest realizations I’ve had is that success isn't always linear, and goals evolve over time. Five years ago, my ambitions were different from what they are today. I’ve come to accept that my personal and professional growth shapes my goals, and it's okay for them to change. It’s important to stay flexible and open to new possibilities.

4. Trusting the Process

After a few failures and finding myself in situations that didn’t align with my true self, I realized that growth takes time. I’ve learned to focus on becoming the best version of myself instead of chasing someone else's definition of success. It’s a journey of self-development, and while it may take longer than expected, I trust myself and the universe to guide me.

5. Patience Brings Unexpected Rewards

If there's one piece of advice I could give to anyone feeling discouraged, it's this: success will come, but it takes time. You have to work hard, stay consistent, and most importantly, have faith that your efforts will pay off.

A few months ago, I published my research paper, and I remember thinking, Who’s going to read this? What’s the point?But then, out of the blue, I received an email inviting me to review another research paper. At first, I thought it was a scam! But it wasn’t—it was a genuine opportunity. It made me realize that the universe reciprocates your hard work in its own time. The results may not be immediate, but they do come, often when you least expect it.

Conclusion: Success is a Journey, Not a Race

In the end, success looks different for everyone. There’s no rush, no need to compare your path to someone else’s. Just keep working, put in the effort, and trust that the results will come to you when the time is right. As they say, what you seek is seeking you.

So be patient, keep the faith, and focus on your growth—you’ll get there, exactly when you're supposed to.

Stay tuned,

Shruti

knowyoursoul.in