# Stop Expecting Instant Transformation in Your Life
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Illusion of Overnight Success
I find myself feeling exasperated. My thoughts race faster than my fingers can keep up. This frustration stems from yet another disappointment—my 182nd, to be precise. I had set ambitious goals for 2024, convinced that this would be my breakthrough year. However, I often felt angry, annoyed, and disheartened when I didn’t achieve immediate results.
The real issue wasn’t my lack of success; rather, it was my unrealistic expectation of continuous success—similar to the overnight achievements flaunted on social media that I used to consume like sweet treats. After 389 days of writing online and 634 days of being a startup founder, I learned that overnight success is a myth.
Labeling someone’s achievements as 'overnight' undermines the dedication, passion, time, and effort they invested before gaining public recognition. I came to understand that my approach to my goals was extreme—whether in increasing revenue for my startup, Geeks and Experts, or improving my health. Aiming for radical changes was futile.
For the remainder of 2024 and beyond, I've embraced five key reminders that will help me avoid the urge to transform my life in an instant. I hope they resonate with you too!
Section 1.1: Rethink Your Desire for Total Change
Consider this straightforward question: Are you willing to trade or change every aspect of your life? Those who seek instant transformation often wish to overhaul everything, feeling as though nothing is going their way. This mentality leads to an overwhelming desire to reinvent oneself completely.
But would you genuinely want to trade lives with someone else, assuming all their health, wealth, and emotional baggage as well? Most likely, the answer is no. If you’re not prepared to swap your entire life, avoid the temptation of drastic overnight changes. Instead, focus on incremental improvements!
Section 1.2: Resist the Allure of Trends
Stop jumping on every new trend that pops up every few weeks or months. The media often tricks us into believing we need the latest tool or diet to revolutionize our lives. Advertisers thrive on this notion because it drives profit.
Remember, you don’t need to chase every new fad. The quickest route to disappointment is constantly shifting from one trend to another. Keep your approach simple, stick with it, and take small steps forward!
Chapter 2: Digging Deeper into Your Commitments
Section 2.1: Find Your True Motivation
If you committed to exercising daily, ask yourself: Why did you make that pledge? Was it to become unrecognizable in three months? If so, prepare for disappointment.
Understanding your core motivation is essential. Is it the rush of energy after a workout? The release of endorphins? Identifying your “why” is vital because overnight changes are unrealistic—unless you win the lottery, which is highly unlikely!
When immediate results don't manifest, it’s easy to give up. That’s where your motivation plays a crucial role; it serves as a guiding force to keep you focused on your goals, regardless of the outcomes.
Section 2.2: You Have the Tools You Need
You already possess the knowledge and tools required to achieve your goals. You don't need an expensive course to tell you what to do. While courses can help you acquire new skills or network, they won’t magically transform your writing or your life.
Avoid the trap of thinking that completing a course will make you a best-selling author or that joining a community will drastically improve your visibility. While these outcomes are possible, they aren’t guaranteed. Invest in yourself and put in the effort—you already know what steps to take!
Section 2.3: Build Self-Trust
Trusting yourself is one of the most effective ways to bring about meaningful change. In our journey of self-love, we often neglect the importance of self-trust, which is just as critical. By keeping small promises to yourself, you gradually build trust in your capabilities.
If you set unrealistic goals, you’re likely to break your commitments. Instead, establish achievable targets. For instance, commit to walking at least four times a week. This approach fosters belief in your abilities and reinforces that you are not in need of fixing; you can show up for yourself!
Cultivate self-trust before escalating your habits and aspirations. These incremental changes are the true building blocks of lasting success—not drastic, overnight transformations!
As the founder of Geeks and Experts, I share insights on PR for startups, founder wellness, immigrant entrepreneurship, and writing. Connect with me on Medium or via Twitter or LinkedIn!