As an entrepreneurs, our inclination is towards swift results. However, it’s vital to recall that what might appear insignificant at first can eventually wield great influence.

Let’s consider a common example, the modest seed of an apple tree. Its physical stature might downplay its importance, yet given adequate time and suitable conditions, it can make a monumental difference to numerous individuals who require sustenance. Similarly, think about the impact of vitamins and supplements.

Their effects aren’t immediately evident, but over time, they can significantly enhance someone’s well-being. The challenge lies in waiting for these effects to materialize.

Waiting isn’t typically a skill associated with founders. According to a recent study from Spain published in the Journal of Business Research, the traits most closely linked with entrepreneurship fall under the categories of initiative and open-mindedness, rather than the ability to exercise patience.

Nevertheless, patience is indispensable as it triggers a cascading effect on leadership, enabling teams to maintain a positive drive even during periods when progress is neither instant nor linear.

I comprehend the challenge of practicing patience all too well. The foundation of my business rested on a product crafted to deliver gradual enhancements to users’ health, changes that wouldn’t manifest immediately. During the initial phase of introducing the product to the market, its mechanics weren’t fully grasped.

People were intrigued and inquisitive, yet they struggled to envision the benefits it could bring to those who incorporated it into their daily routines.

To put it differently, they could glimpse the apple seed but encountered difficulty in visualizing the tree. I had to bide my time for them to catch up a process that proved incredibly demanding. Nonetheless, years down the line, this patience has yielded tangible results.

Turning Small Beginnings into Significant Success

In our roles as leaders, it’s imperative that we possess the ability not only to perceive the tree, but to also hold the conviction that what we foresee in the future (such as the expansion, the flourishing, and the fruition) is genuinely attainable.

This presents a formidable task, especially when those around you merely point at a tiny seed and skeptically declare, “That will never amount to anything.” Nevertheless, you must maintain the faith that the potential within something small can indeed develop into something substantial.

Outlined below are a few recommendations from me to assist you in accomplishing this with unwavering assurance:

1. Select a Direction That Ignites Your Passions

As an entrepreneur, you’ll find yourself engaged in a substantial amount of demanding work. Your emotional investment in your endeavors will be all-encompassing. Without a genuine intrinsic passion, the risk of burning out becomes significant, much like the analogy of Thomas Edison’s light bulb.

Edison, a true innovator, came to understand the cumulative effect of small efforts. Contrary to common misconception, he didn’t encounter 10,000 failures in creating a functional light bulb. Rather, he discovered countless methods through which the light bulb could not function.

Even his assistant began to doubt the chosen path. Nonetheless, Edison is renowned for asserting the contrary: “… We have learned a lot. We now know that there are 2,000 elements which we cannot use to make a good light bulb.” It’s not difficult to envision the daunting challenge he would have faced without his profound passion for his invention.

Doubters and skeptics will inevitably emerge. You’ll encounter those who suggest trying various approaches with the hope that something sticks. However, you mustn’t allow their influence to divert you from the genuine opportunities you perceive, which might remain concealed to others. The sole means of staying on course is to be propelled by a force that nurtures your creativity and determination.

2. Steer Clear of the Natural Urge for Immediate Outcomes

Our society is built on the pursuit of immediate gratification. Consequently, when we desire something, we yearn for its benefits without delay. However, there are instances where the rewards of patience and perseverance far outweigh the quick gains. Consider antibiotics – discontinuing them upon initial improvement could potentially negate the advantages.

From a leadership standpoint, the principle remains the same: gradual adjustments, shifts, strategies, and approaches should be integrated into your organization. Perhaps these changes occur on a monthly basis. While immediate success might not be evident, it will undoubtedly emerge over time. To illustrate, I recently altered my schedule to accommodate 50-minute meetings instead of hour-long ones.

Although the adjustment was initially challenging, I’ve come to appreciate how it enhances focus and productivity during meetings. Furthermore, on days filled with back-to-back meetings, I’ve gained 10-minute intervals to recharge mentally, enabling me to be fully engaged in subsequent discussions.

3. Have Faith in the Value of Your Actions

Have confidence in the process. This can be both a challenging message to absorb and an action to undertake. I recall facing criticism from colleagues who believed my decisions were misguided. They would say, “With your revenues at ‘X,’ your travel budgets should be ‘Y,’ not ‘Z’.” Yet, what they failed to recognize was that our travels and face-to-face interactions were gradually propelling us toward increased business opportunities.

This doesn’t imply that we didn’t make adjustments along the way, but we maintained faith that by following what appeared rational, progress would indeed ensue and it did.

The Uber surge pricing choice falls under a similar category. The company’s leadership encountered significant criticism for introducing variable prices for Uber rides. Surprisingly, the concept eventually proved its worth. Presently, surge pricing has become an integral part of the rideshare giant’s standard model all because its leaders remained resolute in their chosen path.

Can you expect resistance? Absolutely. That’s an inherent aspect of the venture. What’s essential is your unwavering belief in your team’s vision, enabling you to implement actions deliberately and consistently. By doing this, you’ll have the capacity to introduce incremental modifications that accumulate over time (akin to the principle of compounding interest).

Recently, while driving, I witnessed someone casually toss an empty can out of a car window. Perhaps they reckoned, “What difference can one make?” As we recognize, a single discarded can holds significance. Similarly, even a minor solution carries weight.

Summary

Amidst a need for swift results, discover power in humble beginnings. Edison’s perseverance and incremental changes showcase this. Overcome skepticism with unwavering faith in your vision. Small steps amass into great achievements. Trust your process, value each action. Even minor solutions create substantial impacts.