The Long Road To Success

Things always take longer than you hope.

Charles Bukowski started writing poetry at age 35.

He didn't find "success" until after the age of 50. He is now remembered as one of America's most loved contemporary writers and poets.

Charles wasn’t your typical writer. He lived a unique life that was rough around the edges. But he managed to form his own memorable writing style that felt raw and real. That realness is what resonated with everyday people.

“at least the prof did give me 
“A’s” on all the work 
I turned in 
but I got a “B” overall for 
poor attendance. 

I also knew that 
every student in that class 
except one 
was 
creatively doomed.

and even that one
would be 50 years old
before even minor notice
would be taken of
his work.

a bit longer
than even he 
had
expected.”

— Charles Bukowski

That’s Charles reflecting on a creative writing class in college. You can feel the belief in his potential. He knew he was the standout kid in the class, and he was going somewhere. But it took him a good 50 years!

Another one who kept writing

Steven Pressfield worked a string of difficult jobs for over 25 years while chipping away at his dream to be a writer.

He was 52 when his debut novel was published, and he has since gone on to publish the million-seller books Gates of Fire and The War of Art.

"I wrote for 17 years before I earned my first penny (a $3500 option on a screenplay that was never produced).

I wrote for 27 years before I got my first novel published (The Legend of Bagger Vance).

During that time I worked 21 different jobs in eleven states.

I taught school, I drove tractor-trailers, I worked in advertising and as a screenwriter in Hollywood, I worked on offshore oil rigs, I picked fruit as a migrant worker ...

For one season I lived in this house. It had no power, no water, no doors, no windows. Rent was $15 a month ...

All during this time I was writing."

— Steven Pressfield

Steven’s story is astonishing. Hearing how someone continues to push on despite the odds is inspiring.

What I’ve noticed in these cases is that they “can’t not do it”. It’s some inner force driving them which they have no control over. It pours out of them.

There is no linear path to success. Only your path.

Whatever your craft is, keep working at it. Things take time.

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Reflection

Get good at the long game…

• If you knew you had 27 years to go before you found “success” in your craft, how would you show up differently?

• How would you talk to yourself?

• What would you do each day or week to keep making progress?

• Where are you unnecessarily rushing or trying to force things?

• How could you enjoy the ride a little more?

• Can you see a new appreciation in the long road of difficult jobs you have ahead while building your dream?

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