Stop wasting time on the scenic route to success

A manager once gave me a long speech about how success is a slow journey. He used the metaphor of a road trip: driving from Amsterdam through Cologne, relaxing in Austria, enjoying good food, and eventually reaching Rome. He told me that every leader needs to enjoy the ride.

My response was simple: “If the goal is to enjoy a road trip, that makes sense. But if the goal is to get to Rome as fast as possible, I am going to Schiphol Airport to catch a plane. I can eat good food and relax when I get there.”

Too often, I hear leaders say that things “just take time.” But every leader should ask themselves an honest question: is this really taking time, or are you just letting time pass?

The trap of enjoying the journey too much

There are many managers and directors who make a comfortable living taking the slow road. They love the discussions, the endless process, and the feeling of moving forward without the pressure of actual results. They are happy, well-paid, and comfortable.

However, using “the journey” as an excuse often hides a lack of ambition or execution. When leaders focus too much on the process, they confuse activity with achievement. Enjoying the ride is fine, but as a leader, your primary responsibility is still to reach the destination.

From zero to hero in three years

I know how powerful human potential is when you combine a clear goal with discipline. Years ago, after several frustrating client conversations, I decided to leave service management and move into presales and architecture.

At that point, I had never even opened the Azure portal.

Instead of taking years to figure it out slowly, I set a clear target. Every evening, I studied in my attic room. I stayed curious, learned relentlessly, and built a network of experts who were willing to help me. In less than three years, I went from knowing nothing about Azure to becoming a Microsoft MVP and a senior solutions architect.

It happened because I refused to accept anything less than my target. I did not wait for time to pass; I made time work for me.

Taking control of your health with the same discipline

I applied this exact same mindset when my health was at risk. My children wanted me to stop smoking, and after suffering a second collapsed lung before a major operation, I knew I had to make a drastic change.

I stopped smoking completely. Today, I train in the gym four days a week, play padel with friends, eat healthy, avoid weekday alcohol, and deal with stress immediately instead of keeping it in my body.

I prioritized myself so that I could be strong enough to support others. Once again, it was not about waiting for a slow transformation. It was not about making small, simple changes. It was about making a firm decision and following it up with daily discipline.

Most people underestimate their own power

Most leaders and teams severely underestimate what they can achieve. Although they overestimate what you can achieve in a few weeks, they underestimate what discipline can do for you in a few months. Consistency is key. Most leaders think big changes require endless time, so they move at a comfortable pace. But with real ambition, clear focus, and relentless discipline, you can achieve in months what takes others years.

It is completely fine if some people prefer the long, scenic route. But you do not have to slow down for them. Set your goal, board the plane, and leave the slow movers behind. You’ll meet them in Rome later.

Closing thoughts

Success is not an accident, and time is not an excuse. While others spend years talking about the journey, you have the power to define your destination and fly straight to it. Focus on what you want, build the discipline to get it, and never let comfortable people dictate your pace.

True leadership is not about enjoying a slow ride, but about having the discipline to reach your destination at your own pace.