Honestly and it is likely that you know this; there is a strange kind of frustration that comes with waiting, whether it is waiting for the right job, that big promotion, the next chapter in your life, or simply a breakthrough you can not quite hold yet, and it can feel like you are stuck in limbo or going in circle. Trust me when I say, I know this feeling well, and it is easy to mistake waiting for doing nothing, to think or believe that if you are not moving forward visibly, you are falling behind.
But that is not true, waiting is not just about standing still, It is actually one of the most powerful, transformative times you have or rather that you can have. When I reflect on my own journey, those moments when doors stayed closed or it seemed like that, opportunities seemed distant, and progress slowed. I realize now that those were the moments that shaped me most deeply, and do not get me wrong I am still very much in that phase, waiting, let me say that again, I am still very much in a new phase of waiting, planning and actively preparing. These phases, whatever your own phase of waiting might be, are not pauses but invitations to prepare, to grow, and to get ready for what is next.
And this time of waiting should not be wasted; it is our secret workshop, our behind-the-scenes training, our chance to invest in ourselves, personally and professionally, so that when the right moment arrives, we are not just ready; we are unstoppable.
During those quiet seasons, it is easy to feel invisible or question your path; I have been there, wondering if I was moving fast enough, or if my dreams were simply out of reach and if I am being honest, even now as I write this article my mind kind of has the same question. But it is just a question that does not bug me, not in that way at least, if anything it pushes me to do better, and what I have come to learn is that waiting is not about staying idle; it is very very much and only about preparation. It’s about building the foundation no one sees, but everyone and everything depends on.
Think about the professionals who seem to “have it all together,” behind their confidence and success are countless hours spent learning, practicing, failing, and getting back up, and often, those hours happened when no one was watching, during their own seasons of waiting.
And that is exactly where we are right now on different projects, plans, goals and development : At the starting line that matters and what you do here, how you use this time, can define your trajectory for years to come, so instead of letting impatience steal your energy, lean into this time. Develop skills that will elevate your work, build habits that will carry you through challenges, and cultivate a mindset that refuses to settle for less than your potential.
Waiting can be uncomfortable, yes, but it is also a gift; it is the chance to get better, wiser, and stronger so that when doors open, you can walk through them with confidence, not hesitation.
The Waiting Room Is a Training Ground
Obviously, waiting can feel passive if not very passive, but what if you shifted your perspective to see it as active preparation? I like you to think of waiting as a “training ground,” a place where the most important work happens behind the scenes.
In this new phase of mine, I am not just waiting for a take off, and it is not about just hoping for a breakthrough; I am learning, practicing, and refining what I already knew, and discovering new skills I had not thought I needed and in this quiet space, I always myself: What can I do today that will bring me closer to where I want to be tomorrow?
I now know better and this mindset transforms waiting from frustration to opportunity, and instead of watching the clock, you are investing in yourself. You might take an online course, read books related to your field, or even practice the soft skills that make a huge difference like communication, leadership, or time management.
Every expert we admire once spent long stretches in their own waiting room; it is the hidden part of the journey, where preparation meets patience and embracing this truth changes waiting from a pause into a powerful season of growth.
Most people talk about overcoming frustration on their journey to success when they have achieved their perceived success, but that is not the case for me at the moment. Have I achieved success? Yes, I have in many areas; I’ve set a lot of goals over the years, and I have certainly attained them and achieved a lot. Still, this is a new phase for me, or I would like to think of it as a new phase; I have a lot on my plate and a lot of goals, both BIG and small, not just dreams. Dreams are like visions, but goals are the missions, the targets, so I have a lot of that, and I can honestly say that I have been doing a lot of hard and smart work,butas we know, if you want to move up to greater heights; the more you do, the more you see that, there is more to be done, which is okay, the issue is that I am kind of feeling frustrated.
This feeling is the very thing I am trying to describe, this frustration that comes with doing, doing, and doing the work, but it seems like the closer you get, the further the success; that distance in between is what I call this frustrated feeling. This feeling of frustration reminds me of Zeno’s paradox.
Continue Reading: How To Deal With Frustration On Your Journey To Success
Skill Up: Learn What You will Need Next
One of the best ways to use your waiting time is by intentionally learning new skills or deepening existing ones. Moving forward I want you to look at the way I do, anytime myself in between those moments, waiting for a promotion, a new project, or simply the right timing, I choose to see, I choose to realise that the gap is perfect for leveling up.
Ask yourself: What skills are most valuable in my field? What gaps do I need to fill to stand out? Maybe it is mastering a new software, improving public speaking, or developing better project management skills, and whatever it is, dedicate time regularly to learning.
I am sure that you know that when you commit to consistent, small improvements like reading a chapter a day or practicing a skill for 15 minutes, it compounds, and over weeks and months, the growth becomes undeniable. Waiting no longer feels like stagnation; it feels and becomes a strategic investment. And here is a secret: Many people skip this step, too focused on “getting the job done” or “being visible.” But those who quietly prepare during their waiting seasons are often the first to seize opportunity when it arrives.
Build Habits, Not Just Dreams
Dreams they say are powerful, but they will not carry you forward without the right habits to support them. So what exactly am I saying, this is it, during waiting periods, the focus should not only be on what you want to achieve but how you live daily that aligns with your goals.
I am sure that you also know that success is not about a sudden burst of effort; it is about consistent, often small, actions repeated over time. It can start from waking up earlier to plan your day, setting aside time for focused work, or committing to regular reflection; these habits build the foundation for lasting growth.
So when you are waiting, it can be tempting to feel like your dreams are stalled, but that is the perfect time to double down on your routines. These are the invisible investments that shape your future self, so what you do daily creates momentum that no waiting period can stop. So and again, remember, habits create character, and character creates results. And by intentionally building habits now, you are preparing yourself not just to chase your dreams but to build them.
Other than luck, many people are successful because they have developed certain habits. High achievers are distinguished from ordinary people by their intentions and actions. Don’t just go with the flow; you might end up somewhere other than your ideal destination. You can achieve your full potential by creating daily habits that will help you be successful. It is worth learning about these habits and how you can use them in your life. Habits are responsible for 95% of an individual’s behavior.
Continue Reading: The Daily Habits of Highly Successful People
Build and Prepare Relationships Before You Need Them
When you are waiting, it is easy to focus solely on your skills or mindset and overlook the power of relationships, but one of the smartest ways to prepare during this time is by quietly building your network.
I have seen firsthand how relationships can be game-changers, people who offer guidance, open doors, or simply provide support when you least expect it, and waiting is the perfect moment to invest in these connections without pressure or urgency. Reach out to mentors, attend industry events (even virtually), or simply check in with colleagues and peers, because these small, consistent efforts build trust and familiarity, so when the right opportunity comes, you are not meeting people for the first time, but building on existing foundations.
And just so you know, networking is not about collecting business cards; it is about cultivating genuine, meaningful relationships. Use your waiting time wisely to build these bridges, so you will be ready to cross them when it matters most.
Networking, for some, is a ladder, a rope, or even a bandwagon. No matter what you think, it has proved to be a necessary benefit for business owners in the 21st century, regardless of whether it’s a small shop like an office cubicle or something like a massive empire.
Networking is crucial for success in all fields; if you’re looking for an employment opportunity, looking to increase your company’s reach, or just looking to make new acquaintances, networking is an essential element.
For some, networking can be an opportunity to grow their career. For others, it’s the way they conduct business; however, we believe it’s an integral part of our lives.
It’s an invisible link that connects us to opportunities, and every interaction is an opportunity to grow and be inspired.
Continue Reading: Networking Quotes to Inspire You to Connect With People
Audit Your Mindset: Growth Begins Internally
While skills and connections are very important, the foundation of personal and professional development begins in your mindset, so during your waiting periods, it is essential that you take a step back and honestly assess how and what you think about yourself and your journey.
I have learnt that limiting beliefs can quietly hold you back more than any external obstacle, you see thoughts like “I am not ready,” “This is taking too long,” or “Maybe I am not cut out for this” can creep in during times of uncertainty, but waiting is the perfect time to challenge and reframe those beliefs.
So ask yourself: What fears or doubts am I carrying? How can I replace them with confidence and curiosity? Embrace a growth mindset, one that sees challenges as opportunities and setbacks as lessons, and teachable moments to do better and be better.
This internal work is often invisible but incredibly powerful. It shapes how you respond to future challenges and how resilient you’ll be when opportunities finally arrive. Preparing your mind is as important as preparing your skills.
The good thing is that no matter how ingrained the victimhood mentality may be, it’s not permanent. You can always break free of it, regaining control to steer your life toward a positive direction; the process involves taking steps away from the victimhood mentality, taking responsibility for your life, owning your life, and becoming the opposite of a victim – an active writer of your own story.
A person who is not a victim is accountable for their situation and actively works to overcome obstacles and challenges; this type of mindset is marked by self-confidence, strength, resilience, and self-determination. Instead of feeling insecure or blaming others for their troubles, those who are in the opposite mindset of victimization are in control of their lives and strive to effect positive change.
Continue Reading: The Opposite of Victimhood: Victor Mentality | How To Overcome Adversity And Thrive
Position Yourself for The Yes
Waiting can feel uncertain, obviously, we have said that plenty of times, but the truth is that you are positioning yourself for the moment when opportunity knocks. The work you do in these quiet seasons is not just preparation; it is positioning yourself to say YES confidently when the time comes.
So in case you do not know, know this today, that readiness is not about perfection; it is about showing up, going in and through with the skills, mindset, and relationships you have built during your waiting time, phase or season, because when the door opens, hesitation can cost you more than you realize.
So use this time to get clear on what you want and what you bring to the table. Polish your resume, prepare your portfolio, rehearse your pitch, or simply visualize success; these small acts create and build readiness. Remember, waiting is not passive; it is your strategic season. When you position yourself well, the YES you have been waiting for is already within reach.
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Conclusion
Waiting is never easy; it can test our patience, shake our confidence, and make us question whether the path we are on is worth it. But as I have learnt and I hope you have too, waiting is not the enemy; it is a vital part of growth. It is the season when the roots of your personal and professional future dig deep, when your skills sharpen quietly, and when your mindset and relationships prepare you for what is ahead.
So if you are in a waiting season right now, I want you to remember this: You are not standing still! You are preparing! Every book you read! Every skill you practice! Every connection you nurture! And every limiting thought you challenge is building a stronger, more capable you!
So, please, please, and please, I beg you, I urge you and as Apostle Paul will usually say, I beseech you, DO NOT waste this time wishing it away, instead, lean into it! Use it to prepare yourself, because when the right opportunity comes, whether it is a new job, a promotion, or a bold new venture, you will step forward, head-on and ready to claim it.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
Your time of waiting is not a pause; it is your preparation!
