President Obama on Finding Success: "Keep It About the Work"

President Barack Obama wasn’t always successful, though.

In a recent interview, Obama was asked about a time when he felt the most broken.

Here’s how he responded:

I first ran for Congress in 1999, and I got beat.

Because if you’re worrying about yourselfif you’re thinking: ‘Am I succeeding?

Am I in the right position?

Am I being appreciated?’

then you’re going to end up feeling frustrated and stuck.

There’s always something to be done.

So instead of getting frustrated at your lack of success, keep doing what you do best.

Keep honing your craft and sharpening your skill so you’re ready when opportunity does come along.

You’ll never be stuck, just gradually moving forward.

Remember, true success does not happen overnight.

“When is the time you felt most broken?

“| Humans of New York viaCal Newport

Photo byJoe Crimmings.