Does It Really Matter if It Takes 5 Years to Achieve Your Dreams?

Today’s message is for anyone who feels like their dream is taking forever to come to fruition. Whether you’re building a business, creating a podcast, writing a book, or working toward a career milestone, it’s easy to get frustrated when progress seems slow. But here’s a new way to look at things: Does it really matter how long it takes to achieve your dreams?

I was recently inspired by a post from business coach (and one of my friends and mentors) Lacey Sites. Lacey set her sights on achieving a million-dollar year in her business, and it took her two and a half years to reach that goal. But what stood out was her mindset—she didn’t care how long it took because she knew this was what she wanted to build, regardless of the time it would take.

I loved this perspective and thought: Does it really matter if it takes you five years, ten years, or even longer to achieve your dream? If you’re building something that truly aligns with who you are and what you want, the timeline becomes less significant. What’s more important is that you’re creating something that you would continue to work on, no matter how long it takes.

P.S. Prefer to listen? Check out Episode 153 of the Bright Life Podcast: Does It Really Matter if It Takes 5 Years to Achieve Your Dreams?

Are You Building the Right Thing?

One of the key questions to ask yourself is whether you’re building something that you’re passionate about, something that feels so aligned with who you are that you’d pursue it even if it took a lifetime to achieve. If you find yourself feeling impatient, it might be a sign that you’re trying to rush to the next thing rather than focusing on what truly matters to you.

Think about projects or goals that have brought you peace and fulfillment, even when they took longer than expected. For me, writing my book was one of those experiences. I trusted the process and was content with the timeline because I knew it was something I genuinely wanted to create, no matter how long it took.

Have You Given Your Dream Enough Time?

Impatience often arises when we compare ourselves to others who seem to have achieved success more quickly. But have you really given your dream enough time to grow? Just like going to the gym, where muscles don’t appear after just a few days, building a dream takes consistent effort over time. Have you been at it long enough for the roots to take hold?

In business, it’s common to see slow growth in the early stages because it takes time for people to hear your message, build trust, and recognize your consistency. None of this is about you doing something wrong—it’s simply the nature of the journey.

The Long Game to Achieve Your Dreams

One of the things I realized when I started my business—where I was so afraid of going bankrupt or having to go back to my 9 to 5—is that things actually take longer to fall apart than we think. If you’re feeling impatient because sales or success isn’t coming quickly enough, remember that there are always ways to support your dream, whether it’s through side hustles, small adjustments, or simply giving yourself more time. This journey could be your life’s work, your legacy, so it’s okay if it takes time to perfect.

Also, remember that constantly changing directions can actually slow your progress. Many new entrepreneurs, myself included, have been tempted to pivot to something else after a couple of years when things don’t seem to be moving quickly enough. But those who stick with their vision, even when it feels slow, are the ones who often see success from consistent, daily effort over time.

Embrace the Journey, Trust the Process

As you reflect on your journey, ask yourself these questions:

  • Does it matter if it takes longer to achieve your dream?
  • Are you building what you truly want to build, regardless of the time it takes?
  • And have you given it enough time to grow?

If you can answer these questions with clarity and conviction, then take a deep breath and trust that you’re on the right path. There’s a divine timing to everything, and while the goal is important, it’s who you become along the way that means the most.

Ready for Your Biggest, Brightest Life?

Get my book here! It’s called Your Bright Life: Get Clear on What You Want, Overcome Self-Doubt, and Bring Your Dreams to Life.

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