An Overnight Success: 8 Tips for Your Journey
514 words | 4.1 Minutes
Watching Gary Haines win the USBC Masters this weekend was unbelievable. You see, Gary works for a Steam Power Plant in NY and has never won a PBA Event. He started his pro career back in 2013 with no success and walks into the tournament in 2025 to shock the world by knocking off one of the giants in bowling, three time Masters champion, Anthony Simonsen to win - not only his first event, but a major tournament. Later I learned that Gary has actually been runner-up several times in local/regional events – but hasn’t been in the winner’s circle - EVER. I mean – who remembers the runner up. … and after all those years of trying to achieve a dream - he is now called a “Masters Champion”!
I once heard Simon Sinek say, it takes a long time to be an overnight success.” What a statement. Who really wants to wait a long time for success? We live in a “want it now” world, but even back in college, I was ready to hit the ground running. My first big goal? Landing that $50,000 salary. …and it only took me 5 years to get there. I remember going out to dinner with my wife to celebrate that we had finally made it! LOL!
We always want success – in our job, in our community, with our hobbies, and in our home.
Last week: I received news that Life in the Leadership Lane was selected by our panelist as one of the Top 25 Texas Leadership Podcasts on the web – Ranked #2! Wow! This recognition filled my tank and fueled me up to keep going. It was a great reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. I started this podcast in April 2020 with the goal of staying connected and highlight leaders I admire. I got up early, stayed up late, and put in the work every single week – for six years now and counting.
I once heard it takes eight (8) years to build a brand.
It was eight years ago when I wrote my first book. I joined the Armstrong Elite Presidents Club after 10 years, I was names President at DallasHR after 8 years of volunteering… It takes time to build!
So – how can you become an overnight success? Here are 8 lanes to travel on your journey:
Belief – believe in you, your work and the people around you.
Consistency – Show up, day in and day out. Just keep showing up!
Enjoy the journey – Success isn’t just about the finish line. Treasure the moments!
Desire – Set some goals! If you don’t have the passion, try something new.
Own it – Think and act like the owner – and focus on your growth.
ACT – Do the work, even when it’s hard. Action Changes Things!
Embrace failure – Every setback is a lesson. Failure is where the growth is!
Stay in pursuit – When you enjoy the journey – it won’t feel like work!
What lane stands out to you? Whatever you’re working toward, keep going. It takes time—but when it happens, people will say “look at you – an overnight success”!
Quote of the Day: “The comeback is always better than the setback.” Christine Aboud, CEO
Check out 25 BEST TEXAS LEADERSHIP PODCASTS HERE – and join me each week!
Looking for a book to share with your team? Pick up a copy of my book Find Your Lane, Life in the Leadership Lane, or DriveWithPurpose or send them a copy of my journal Milemarkers – great for team building and great for employee engagement.
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more resources, visit www.BruceWaller.com to learn more about relocation support, keynote speaking, Bruce’s books, and Life in the Leadership Lane podcast. Bruce can be reached for relocation services or speaking engagements at 972-389-5673 or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com.