In 1988, Elliott Hill started his journey at Nike as an intern, working as an apparel sales rep. Little did he know that over 30 years later, he would be leading the entire company. Hill rotated through various roles, from marketing to leadership, steadily climbing his way up the corporate ladder. Now, he’s set to take over as Nike’s CEO this October, showing that true success takes time and effort.

Hill’s story is one of perseverance and dedication. These traits, once considered essential to success, now seem increasingly rare in a world that often glorifies shortcuts and quick wins.

The myth of overnight success is all too common. Take Lil Nas X and his viral hit “Old Town Road.” The song exploded on TikTok and made him a sensation. Many don’t realize he spent years working behind the scenes, honing his craft before finally catching that big break. What appeared to be instant fame was actually the result of years of quiet effort.

Today, there’s an overwhelming focus on finding quick routes to success. It’s easy to see online, where some even charge people thousands, promising to teach them how to make millions. The reality is, those who have genuinely achieved such success aren’t out there making hundreds of posts, pleading with others to sign up for their courses. 

The problem is that patience and hard work have become undervalued in a society that seems obsessed with speed. If results don’t come quickly, there’s often a sense of failure or the urge to abandon the effort altogether. However, rushing to the top often skips the essential steps that build the foundation for lasting success.

Elliott Hill’s journey with Nike is a perfect example of why slow, steady progress matters. After more than three decades, he is not just leading a global brand; he has earned his way to the top through dedication and consistency. His success is the product of countless smaller, unseen victories over the years, not a single, magical moment.

True, lasting success comes from staying determined, not from rushing to the finish line. The belief that success can be handed over or bought with a simple formula misleads people. In reality, it’s the consistent, hard work over time that brings meaningful results.