The key to success really boils down to not giving up. I firmly believe that if you commit to one challenging task consistently for 10 years, you’ll see results that surpass your wildest dreams. Don’t throw in the towel too soon—give your efforts time to bloom. Talent gets too much credit, while perseverance, or grit, doesn’t get enough.
My own journey to understanding the power of a decade began with my education—four years of high school, four years of undergrad, and three years of part-time business school. Only after this extensive period did I truly grasp finance. My professional life also echoed this timeframe, with a decade at a single firm enlightening me about the potentials of career growth and financial prosperity. Even my late-blooming tennis skills, improving significantly from my 30s into my 40s after countless hours of practice, support this decade-long theory.
Consistency has been my mantra on my blog, Financial Samurai, where I wrote diligently from 2009 to 2019. This consistent effort led to growth I hadn’t even imagined, proving that sticking with something pays off.
Regular people can and do succeed all the time. The notion that you need to be extraordinarily smart or skilled is a myth. When I moved to America at 14, I was an outsider and struggled to fit in. Despite average grades and no standout SAT scores, my persistence alone landed me a job at a top investment bank—a result of being the only one to show up at a critical career fair.
Success often comes down to just hanging in there long enough to catch a break. For instance, an article I wrote on the importance of umbrella policies caught the eye of the LA Times, giving my site a massive credibility boost which snowballed into further opportunities.
Enduring criticism is part of the journey. I thrive on it—it’s like fuel. Each negative comment has spurred me to improve and continue proving critics wrong.
Staying optimistic, focusing on what matters, and managing your time effectively, especially limiting social media use, are all crucial. Give freely in your professional relationships without expecting immediate returns, and understand that not everyone will like you—and that’s okay.
Lastly, always keep in mind the bigger picture. What starts as a small project could become a major success if you commit to nurturing it over time. Recognize your advantages, embrace challenges, and stay grateful. Remember why you started, and let that guide you. Every effort adds up, shaping not just your career but your character.
No matter what, keep pushing forward. With tenacity, a simple commitment can become a life-changing journey.
