Most of us have important goals that we hope to accomplish. Our intentions are good and our plans are often well thought out and well focused. We move ahead quickly towards accomplishing what we set out to do, but then all to soon we falter, stop and maybe even give up. Why? Because our instant efforts have not produced instant results. We get too tied up in finding that instant gratification that equates to success. But rarely will we ever see results as soon as we would like. So how do we keep moving forward while waiting to see results? How do we learn to wait patiently for some sign of success? How do we stay motivated to continue when human nature says that such a slow return on our investment must be a sure sign that our plans and goals are flawed? The answer is really quite simple. We need to better understand how the whole process works; in other words, we have to learn to accept how the principles of effort and return really work.

If we were to look at a graph depicting the rate of effort compared to return, we would see that the line for effort is much steeper than the line for return. In any project we undertake, all of the work and effort goes in at the beginning. Typically, we will see about 80% of our efforts expended about halfway through a project, yet only about 20% of the return on our investment will be evident.

The main reason behind this pattern is the need for a project to gather momentum. As you invest more time and effort, the results begin to build, slowly at first but increasing as the project moves along. It is at this point that we really need to practice patience. In order to see a project through to its completion, and actually see the return on our investment, we have to develop an "investment attitude." By developing this type of awareness and understanding, we can better prepare ourselves for the necessary efforts we have to put forth.

All successful people, especially leaders, need to remember that the most important investment you will ultimately make is in yourself. Give every project your best effort and be patient. Don't expect results right away, either from your projects or your people. Remain confident that your ideas are sound, and your goals attainable. Know in your mind that the results you are seeking will come.

Regardless of how things may sometimes appear, there is never such a thing as "all of a sudden." Successes, and even failures, generally happen over longer periods of time than we realize. Change often begins to happen before its effects can actually be seen. The important thing is to stay focused on your goals. Keep working at them and keep putting in the effort. Concentrate on putting in the required work each and every day, knowing that eventually the big results you are aiming for will happen.