Let me drop a little truth bomb: overnight success is the biggest scam ever.

Yes, I said it. The term “overnight success” is the perfect bait – shiny, exciting and easy to believe. But it is also completely, 100% false. The truth? Success is a REFLECT. A messy, sweaty, emotional, lonely and ugly grinding. And it's much better that way.

I get it – who doesn't want to wake up one morning with the world at their feet? The real deal is this: that “overnight” moment? It is usually the culmination of years – YEAR – of hustle, failure and showing up even when it feels impossible.

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So let's paint the picture of the myth of overnight success.

When I started my real estate career, I didn't just magically become the founder of Texas' largest independent brokerage. It wasn't like someone handed me the keys to the castle and said, “Congratulations, kid! You made it!” No.

The failed real estate exam twenty-two times. Yes, you read that right. Twenty two.

Nothing humbles you more than failing repeatedly in something you feel called to do. But here's the thing – no one saw the hours I put into the industry before my career took off. What most people didn't see were the countless hours I spent studying, the sacrifices I made, or how many times I asked if this was something I was supposed to work for. Those twenty-two failures weren't just failures—they were necessary lessons, each one helping me learn something and become stronger.

Nowadays, it's easier than ever to see only people's successes. Social media is a highlight reel, showing only the best moments, leaving out the struggles or failures.

What we consume on the Internet are, more often than not, hero stories – so-called “overnight successes.” Nowadays, perception versus reality is even more prevalent. People on the Internet tend to neglect the dirty work. What's left out are the failures, the closed doors, and the strife that led them to that viral moment. You are seeing the result, not the fight. It's 2024, we all know that's the case.

A great example is a viral video of a founder pitching their product. Suddenly, everyone is talking about them. Millions of views. Instant fame, right? Wrong. You're not seeing the countless late nights, the failed prototypes, the pitches that went nowhere, and the hype that got them to that moment. We need to remember what it takes for people to get where they've dreamed of going.

That's the problem with the myth of overnight success – it does hard work invisible. And when you don't see the hard work, it's easy to think, “If I don't do it fast, I'll never make it.” That mindset? It is poison. It tricks you into thinking you're somehow failing if you're not “there” yet. But the truth is, if you're still in the game, you're still moving forward.

When you have the chance to give up, you can either give up or skip. In those moments when it feels like everything is against you, the real test is whether you buckle down and push through or let the pressure break you.

Related: Be grateful Your business is not an overnight success

So what is the key to success?

It's simple: keep showing up. Even when you're tired, even when you're frustrated, even when you want to throw in the towel. Success doesn't come from some magic formula or lucky break – it comes from persistence, grit and a willingness to get back up, no matter how many times you've been knocked down.

Another tip: keep track of all your victories, no matter how small. Got your first client? The moment. Got a great date? The moment. Are you one step closer to your goal? More momentum. You have to remind yourself that progress is not always immediate or obvious. Celebrate small steps because they add up.

Success is not a shot to the top – it's a long, winding, messy road, full of twists and turns and obstacles. But the journey? This is where the magic happens. The lessons you learn, the people you meet, the resilience you build—that's what makes success worthwhile. The challenges you face today will equip you to face tomorrow's opportunities. You can't rush growth – it has to happen the right way, with the right lessons.

And here's the thing: the journey never stops. There always will be new challengesnew obstacles and new goals. But once you get used to the grind, you'll begin to realize that it's not just about reaching the finish line—it's about growing and evolving along the way. Success is a moving target and that's a good thing. Each day brings new lessons that shape you into someone capable of handling what comes next.

Related: 5 Inspirational Guys Proving Overnight Success Is BS

You also need to learn how to be comfortable with discomfort. Success isn't about avoiding the hard parts—it's about facing them head-on and continuing to make progress. Embarrassment? That's where growth lives. Embrace it, learn from it, and use it to fuel the next move.

So the next time you're tempted to give up because things aren't happening fast enough, remember this: success doesn't care about your timeline. It takes care of your effort, persistence, and ability to keep going when things get messy.

Overnight success is a myth. But real success? This is a quarrel. And it's absolutely worth it. Go ahead, buckle up and embrace the mess – because that's where the magic happens. It's not the destination that matters; it's how you handle the process that determines your success.