The Myth of Overnight Success


(This post goes along with Leadership Level 1, Personal Success.)

Some new leaders step into a new leadership position with an unspoken plan. Often that plan might sound something like this: “I'll be here for a couple of years, whip this place into shape and then move on to my fantastically amazing career somewhere else.” In some cases, that's how things turn out in real life, and success comes quickly. But in many cases, things don't happen quite that way. I’m not trying to discourage anyone from trying. I pray that you indeed have success, because others are following your lead. But what I want to address here isn’t the level of success you ascend to, or even how quickly you get there. I want to focus on the attitude that wants a quick exit.

The projects of home decorators and similar occupations have an expected routine. They usually allow getting to visit for a short while, fixing things up and then moving on. I’m sure there’s great satisfaction that comes with that fast success. But our jobs as leaders usually have more at stake and take more time and commitment in a given place. Even if I’m able to get quick results and soon have impressive accomplishments, there are still people involved. Real relationships take time, and sincere leaders are willing to stay for the long haul, strengthening those relationships, praying for people, and often sacrificing self in order to see success–not just in projects, but in people, too. If you're really called to be in a certain place, then there's no shortcut. I challenge you today to make a quality decision. Purpose to stay put for as long as God has you there. Don’t excuse yourself prematurely. When the time comes for your actual transition, then God knows where to find you and how to get you to your next assignment. In the meantime, stand strong. And continue to be as much as possible like Jesus for those in and around your leadership.

I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.
–Philippians 1:6 (CEB)

@drtimwaters