The Grind Behind the Glory What It Really Takes to Succeed

The Grind Behind the Glory: What It Really Takes to Succeed

Okay, let’s be honest for a sec. Success looks real pretty from the outside, right? The fancy job titles, the shiny awards, the Instagram-worthy moments—you see all that and go, “Dang, they’ve really made it.” But what most people don’t talk about? The part underneath. The long, brutal, not-so-cute grind behind the glory.

And yeah... I learned that the hard way.

When I was in college, I had this whole vision of how things would go. I’d work hard, keep my GPA decent, maybe network a little, and boom—some cool job in media, writing things that mattered, maybe even a book deal if I got lucky. I thought if I just kept my head down for a couple semesters, I’d be set.

Yeah... nope.

There were nights I’d sit in front of my laptop with a deadline and no idea what to write. Just blinking cursor. Total brain fog. Felt like a fraud. I went to interviews where I left thinking, “Nailed it,” only to get ghosted completely. I interned for free—yes, for free—while juggling side gigs just to pay rent and survive on instant noodles. It was... not the vibe.

But guess what? That’s actually what it really takes to succeed. Doing the stuff no one claps for. Dragging yourself out of bed when you'd rather stay under the covers. Getting told "no" a hundred times and still coming back for try #101. It’s not the highlight reel—it’s the stuff behind the scenes.

I’ll never forget my friend who wanted to work in fashion. For two years, she steamed clothes and sorted hangers in a tiny back room while her peers were already posting job wins on LinkedIn. She kept going. Now? She’s killing it at a major NYC brand. Her life looks all glam on socials, but I remember her coming home too tired to even eat. That hustle? That’s the part most people never see.

The weirdest part is how people think success is just: effort → reward. Like a vending machine. You put in the work and boom, something amazing pops out. Nah. What it really takes to succeed is more like: effort → silence → more effort → some rejection → maybe progress... and repeat.

And honestly? No one tells you about the emotional toll. The imposter syndrome hits different when you’re trying your best and still feel behind. The comparison trap on social media is real. I’ve cried—like ugly cried—over things that probably didn’t matter in the long run. But at the time? Felt like the world was ending.

Here’s the thing though: It’s not all bad. There’s beauty in the chaos. The first time someone messaged me saying something I wrote helped them? I teared up. That one message made the months of self-doubt and hustling in silence feel worth it.

So if you're sitting there wondering, "Am I doing this right?"—you probably are. If it’s hard, if it feels like a grind, if you’re exhausted but still showing up... that’s a big sign you're on the right path.

Because what it really takes to succeed isn’t some overnight miracle. It’s grit. It’s patience. It’s falling flat and getting up anyway.

If you liked this piece, you’ll love what’s coming next. I share real, raw, and relatable motivational articles that dig into the ups and downs of chasing success, staying focused, and believing in yourself—especially on the tough days. Follow me for more stories that aren’t sugarcoated but still full of hope, hustle, and heart. Let’s grow together.