Toiling

The heights by great men reached and kept, Were not obtained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

It's easy to be jealous of someone who has acheived great success. It's easy to think it's not fair. It looks like they became an "overnight success" One day they're an unknown just like you and me, and the next day they're an international sensation. What happened? Perhaps somebody influential discovered them doing the work they are best at. But it may have taken years to build themselves to the point that they were noticeable, until they stood out from the crowd.

People who are successful practise their craft steadily until they are really good at it. They work at it even when they're tired and don't feel like it. Athletes spend hours every single day doing drill exersises when they're not engaging in their sport. Musicians practise their instruments for hours every single day. Academics and researchers burn the midnight oil.

These people are successful because they are willing to put in the extra time and energy to perfect their work, consistently, even when it is boring or they don't feel like it. They work at it whether they want to or not. "They, while their companions slept, Were toiling upward in the night". They are always prepared, waiting for their great moment of recognition; ready to be noticed when the right person comes along. That's why they acheive great things.

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