How to Keep Going Even When You Don’t See Results
This week’s:
Affirmation: I trust that every small step I take, even when I can’t see the results, is paving the way for my future success.
Quote: Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. — Robert Collier
How to Keep Going Even When You Don’t See Results
Chasing a dream is often a journey filled with uncertainty, challenges, and moments where progress seems invisible. The hardest part of chasing a dream isn’t the initial spark or the excitement of a new goal—it’s putting in the work when you don’t see immediate results.
But it’s exactly in these moments of unseen progress that most people quit—and that’s precisely why you won’t.
Trusting the Invisible Work
Think about planting a seed. When you sow it in the soil, you don’t dig it up the very next day expecting a blooming flower or a towering tree. Instead, you trust that beneath the surface, something remarkable is happening.
The roots are spreading, the foundation is being laid, and growth is occurring in silence, out of sight. Success works in a similar way. Every small action you take, every habit you cultivate, and every tiny step forward is stacking up, even if you can’t see it right away.
The Value of Consistency
The secret to long-term success is consistency. Every effort contributes to the bigger picture, even when results aren’t visible yet. Imagine if you skipped watering that seed every day. It might never grow to its full potential.
Your daily actions—whether learning a new skill, working on your passion project, or making healthy choices—are the water, sunlight, and nutrients that nurture your future success.
Small Steps Add Up: Small, consistent actions build momentum. Over time, these actions create a foundation for lasting change.
Daily Commitment: Commit to your process every single day. Even on days when progress feels stagnant, every effort plants another seed of success.
Embrace the Process
One of the most transformative mindset shifts is embracing the process instead of fixating solely on the outcome. When you focus too much on immediate results, you risk becoming discouraged by the slow pace of progress.
Instead, celebrate the daily habits that contribute to your goals.
Small Wins: A productive hour, a moment of clarity, or simply sticking to your routine are victories that prove you’re moving forward.
Enjoy the Journey: Growth happens during the journey, not just at the destination. Embrace every step as an opportunity to learn and build resilience.
Building Momentum Through Persistence
When progress isn’t immediately visible, persistence becomes your most powerful tool. Every successful person has faced moments of doubt and times when their hard work seemed to vanish without a trace. What sets them apart is their ability to keep going, even when the results are delayed.
Trust the Process: Understand that every effort, no matter how small, is working behind the scenes. Just as a seed’s growth is hidden underground, your progress may be invisible—but it’s there.
Keep Moving Forward: Instead of letting self-doubt paralyse you, let it fuel your determination. Every day you show up is one step closer to your goal.
Learn from Setbacks: Setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn and adapt. Each challenge refines your approach and strengthens your resolve.
Real-Life Inspiration: Melanie Perkins and the Canva Journey
I’ve talked about Canva before, but it’s one of my favourite stories about persistence. So let’s, consider the inspiring story of Melanie Perkins, the co-founder and CEO of Canva.
Before Canva became a powerhouse valued at $32 billion in October 2024, Melanie faced rejection after rejection. She reportedly encountered over 100 “no’s” from venture capitalists who doubted her vision. Each rejection could have been a reason to give up, yet Melanie persisted.
Her journey exemplifies that progress isn't always visible in the short term. While she was accumulating rejection after rejection, she was simultaneously learning, iterating, and refining her idea. That unseen work—the countless hours spent perfecting her concept and strategy—laid the groundwork for the extraordinary success Canva enjoys today.
Melanie’s story teaches us that if you believe in your dream and are willing to keep putting in the work, eventual breakthroughs are possible. Like the seed growing underground, the progress you make isn’t always immediately apparent. But with perseverance, even the most persistent challenges can be overcome, paving the way for monumental success.
Practical Strategies to Keep Going
Here are some actionable strategies to help you stay on track, even when results seem out of reach:
Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break your big dreams into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes the journey less overwhelming and allows you to celebrate incremental progress.
Create a Daily Routine: Consistency is key. Establish a routine with dedicated time for personal projects, learning, and self-care.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal or use an app to record your daily actions. Over time, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come, even if changes seem subtle.
Surround Yourself with Support: Engage with a community or find a mentor who can encourage you and remind you that progress takes time.
Visualize Your Success: Regularly envision the outcome you desire. Visualization not only motivates you but also aligns your subconscious with your goals.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself on tough days. Recognise that growth is rarely linear, and every challenge you overcome is a building block for success.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Perseverance
If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged because you don’t see the results you hoped for, remember this: every small action is a building block toward your dream. Just as a seed takes time to sprout and grow, your progress may be hidden beneath the surface—but it’s there, and it’s real.
Keep going, even when the finish line seems far away. Trust that your efforts are working, even if you can’t see them yet. The results always come to those who refuse to give up, who persist through uncertainty, and who believe in the power of the unseen.
Your journey is unique, and every step you take is a testament to your strength and determination. Keep planting those seeds of effort, and trust that, in time, you will see the beautiful garden of your dreams bloom.
Take Action Today
Reflect on the small steps you’ve taken so far and acknowledge your progress.
Identify one new action you can commit to that aligns with your long-term goals.
Dedicate yourself to this new habit for the next 30 days, knowing that each day is an investment in your future success.
Remember, the progress you can’t see is just as important as the progress you can.
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