Here's a pop quiz for you: Can you hasten the arrival of success? What's the secret to seeing huge results right now? I am frequently asked versions of this question by people who are frustrated by their sluggish progress toward success, despite their know-how and arduous application of effort.

Let's get one thing straight:When we admire someone's success—or marvel at our own—we tend to focus on the end result and ignore the time and effort it took to get there. This can cultivate unrealistic expectations and lead us to believe that overnight success can happen through careful strategy and rigorous effort.

Truth be told, success typically follows a series of little events and achievements, which can seem to take an eternity. Along the way, disappointments challenge your stamina, courage, integrity and perseverance.