Achievement, on any level is not something that happens overnight or in the click of a finger.

The understanding and reality behind this statement should be widely known. Yet, how easy is it to not show this understanding in the way we act or think, or even in our reflections and outlook on life.

I remember when I graduated from university. The most important thing to me was “being somebody” or “achieving something”. A first point of thought was what did that even mean? Did I even know? This is a very deep topic and something for another time.

One thing that was certain was that it did lead me to continually try to take steps that I might have seen to go in that direction, even if I didn’t really think deeply about or have passion for what I was doing. For example, applying for well paid and prestigious jobs in which I had no real interest. Also, saying I wanted to be an entrepreneur without any real focus on an idea or interest in some of the things that might come for it, for example, money.

I have indeed come to deeply understand over the years, that what I am really driven by is the desire to help others and do something meaningful. Yes, I do also have a drive to be innovative and try my own ideas.

Over time, I came to relax from this impatience for something to happen quickly. Not in a rush to commit to anything, I began tutoring. I found that I did enjoy this. Working with others closely is important to and motivates me.

I started with a student, then progressed over the course of a year to do this full time as I took on more and more students. I eventually progressed to school teaching alongside tutoring and have ultimately moved to the other side of the world to continue this.

Although teaching might be an emphasized example of this, it is really the case no matter what you do in life, that every day will be it’s own story and microcosm of a longer period of life. There may be highs, lows, successes and challenges. The important thing is the necessity to focus on each day as a new and unique day, with energy and drive.

I reflect now and I have come a long way, since graduating nearly ten years ago. I have become more self-secure on many levels, whether it be financially or emotionally. I have learned and progressed a lot in what I am doing, and am now also able to share my experiences with others. I have completed additional qualifications.

Over the years, I have always had a desire to do side work and personal projects, but have ended up focusing on core things I am doing, whether it being my work or self-development. I am now finally having some time for such activities, for example writing this blog.

Most importantly, I wake up each day genuinely believing in what I am doing. It is meaningful and motivates me.

I am doing nothing out of the ordinary, indeed nothing but regular jobs like many others. There is still a long way forward that can be gone. There is much more I can learn – new knowledge and new skills. There are different and indeed more things I could do to help others.

The point is, going back to my early words here, I now have or am on a path to things I now realize I had wanted when I tried to make quick and unmotivated steps in my younger days.

Moving forward in life in so many circumstances requires combinations, of perseverance, longevity, grit, hard work, passion and risk. You don’t need me to give you stories of so many well-known people in all walks of lives and the roads they have had to go on.

A point here for us however is to remember this fact in our thinking, outlook, and approach to life.

Wherever you are, be patient. Consider and reflect on the time things need to take to happen. It may be that you need some time to develop skills before you can use them to implement ideas you might have. It may be that you have commitments and situations that you need to focus on first, before moving on to something else. It may be that what you have a deep desire to do has to be built towards.

Embrace each day as it’s own journey. Focus on your behaviors and what you need to do now. Drive your path forwards.

Remember to celebrate all successes, all steps forwards, not matter what size, along the way.

There is a reality. Time is needed. But fear not – time, age, and many other things are just numbers. Don’t worry about them. Embrace the present, and use it to drive the natural path forward towards the future.

Focus on what you are doing now and use it to drive the path forwards with patience.