This may sound silly, but WHY doesn't instant success happen to most people?

As a fellow college student I definitely agree with you. There have been too many times where I've wished I earned more money. I tell myself, "I want that new camera, those new shoes, that new car, go on a weekend vacation to Los Angeles, etc." I keep on saying "I want, I want, I want." With the income I'm earning I am realistically able to only do so much. I can treat myself every once in a while. Do I think I won't be successful in life? Absolutely not. However its it is going to take a long time. I have to work for it.

I honestly believe that instant success is not a real thing unless you win the lottery (highly statistically improbable. Also most people who win the lottery also go bankrupt because of poor money management skills. I'm not sure if I want to deem that an instant success. Ok random tangent over.)

People like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, while they are hugely successful they were not an instant success. They put in TONS of time and work into their ideas and they became insanely successful. You and me probably aren't going to be the next Jobs or Zuckerberg, those people are rare and there only are a few people on the same level as them. People who are deemed "instant successes" have rare talents, know all the right people, or are extremely lucky that's what it comes down to. However, I truly believe that you can be successful, but you got to put in the effort and work hard.

You know, Liana, I used to say a similar phrase. "Why do I need a piece of paper to be hired to do a job I know I'll be good at?" I put off finishing college until my 30's, as a result of my "attitude." Things aren't always going to make sense to all people. I think the reason for people's success is directly related to their individual ability to take risks, fail, and be resilient and continue on, striving for their goals. I've always been a negatively geared person, when it comes to failing. I had to change my mind set. It sounds like you have a great perspective and are willing to get out there, try, fail, and try again. Resiliency is the key, but not if you don't continue your forward momentum toward your ultimate goal. There are short cuts to a goal. Let me tell you though, many times, when I took a short cut, such as gaining college credit from, "experiential credit", the people in my field didn't respect my knowledge base as much. The reason is, they had gained their credit the harder way, in their own mindset. See, people want to know that you "went through" the typical steps to get where they are. This often roadblocks your momentum. You've got to find folks that have your mindset. Your perspective is fine. Why should you have to take so long? There's a girl I've heard of who is in high school, selling jewelry to Hollywood stars. She's making a fortune! I suggest that you read the book, "Eat That Frog". By Brian Tracy and also the book on mindset by Carol Dwek. I believe, like you do, that perhaps your path to success can be shortened. It will take your willingness to develop resiliency! Go for it!

Success is measured in many ways. First learn and determine what it is that will make you feel self fulfillment. What is it that you want to enjoy exploring. Do not confuse happiness with success. Success is an accomplishment that you can inspire and achieve. Fine the issue that will help you to achieve whatever it may be.

Hi Liana!

Wow! What a question! If we define"Success" as someone who is top of their game, it can come at many ages. Athletes are successful at young ages, however, it is hardly "instant." They have to train and compete. A surgeon cannot walk out of medical school and be the most sought-after surgeon, because no one ever heard of him. Even if you were the smartest person in the world, the rest of us would whisper behind your back, "yeah, but does she have any common sense?" Success has a lot to do with reputation, and reputations are earned.

Do not confuse "success" with "wealth." It is possible to have a low-level job, do it well, live modestly within your means, and be happy. Being a career-counselor does not pay much, but when I hear that our customers frequently request to meet with me rather than other counselors, to me, that is a measure of success. I'm debt-free, except for my house, have a little bit saved up, have health insurance, and just enrolled in graduate school at the age of 55. Is that "Successful?" Perhaps for a 55 year old, but not for a 20 year old?

Let me ask you a question. How do YOU define "Success?" You need to answer this question for yourself, otherwise, you will never know if you are there or not. And don't be afraid to change that definition over time.

Hope these rambling thoughts have helped!
Good question!