Endurance.

The media labels the winner of the gold medal at each Olympics' 100-meter dash event as "The World's Fastest Man".

This has always seemed a dubious title to me, as the winner of the 100-meter dash is clearly only the world's fastest man... when it comes to running the 100-meter dash.

What about all of the other, longer races? What about the marathons that take hours to complete? What about the endurance events that would no-doubt result with the sprinters (the "World's Fastest Man" among them) finishing at the back of the pack?

This world celebrates speed over endurance. It praises immediacy over perseverance. It looks to the here-and-now while trying to pretend like the long run isn't even a thing. 

The 1975 were together as a band for seven years before finally getting picked up by a label. Publishers passed on Stephen King's first novel 30 times. Bill Gates' first business was a total failure. Steven Spielberg was rejected by USC's film school. Twice.

The 100-meter dash is an impressive event, but it's also the one that's finished the soonest. The world celebrates young success and - in the name of "common sense" - encourages people to give up & change direction when things don't go right. But some of the most potent & accomplished artists, entrepreneurs, and success stories the world has ever known were born out out of adversity, rejection, and overcoming failure.

Endurance.
Diligence.
Persistance.
Perseverance.

These qualities are the unsung heroes of dreamers all over the world. Learn how to endure - how to be patient, how to wait while working hard, how to keep the faith - and your dreams will learn how to survive in the face of incredible adversity.

Let the sprinters have the 100-meter dash. Learn how to run the marathon.