The Lagging Indicator of Effort

Success doesn't show up out of the blue. Neither does inspiration, creativity, or even "writer's block." They're all lagging indicators of the actions you took—or failed to take.

If you're uninspired, you haven't fed your curiosity. If success eludes you, look back at your preparation. Did you put in the work? Did you challenge yourself when it was uncomfortable? Everything happening now is a delayed reaction to what you did before.

There's no shortcut, but there's also no mystery. Whether you're writing, leading, or learning, the muse doesn't knock on the door of the idle. It finds you in the chair, pen in hand or keys clacking, when you least feel like showing up but do it anyway. If the work feels uninspired, uninspiring, or downright mundane, that's not a signal to stop. It's proof you're building the foundation for what's next.

What we often call "luck" is another lagging indicator, this time of preparation meeting opportunity. Those who seem to catch every break aren't magicians—they're simply ready when their moment arrives. They've done the unglamorous work behind the scenes, long before anyone noticed. When success comes, it's not a shock; it's an inevitability.

If you're waiting for the perfect moment, stop. The muse doesn't honor waiting, and neither does success. Show up, even when the work feels like a grind. Your future self will thank you when the world finally recognizes the brilliance you've been quietly crafting all along.