The Lonely Phase

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Dear Reader,

There’s a phase in every journey to success where you realise something that hits hard: you’re doing this alone. Sure, there are people around you-friends, family, maybe even mentors, but when it comes to the day-to-day grind, it often feels like no one really gets it. They can’t understand the late nights, the constant hustle, the sacrifices you’re making, and the pressure you’re under.

This is the lonely phase. The phase when you’re building something that no one else sees. The phase where your dream is just an idea in your head, and you’re putting in the hours, but it feels like you’re not getting any closer to the results you’re working so hard for. It’s a phase where the people around you may not be able to help, because they don’t understand what you’re really going through.

Have you ever been here? It feels like everyone else is living their lives, and you’re stuck in this never-ending cycle of work, sacrifice, and uncertainty.

Why It Feels Lonely

This lonely phase happens when you’re pursuing something big-something that requires all your time, energy, and focus. Maybe it’s a business you’re building, a career you’re climbing, God you are chasing, or a dream you’re carving. It’s easy to see other people enjoying their success and thinking, Why is it taking me so long? Or, Why does it feel like no one can understand the “grind” I’m going through?

The truth is, success is often built in solitude. There will be times when your friends won’t have the answers you’re looking for. They might want to help, but they don’t understand your vision, your sacrifices, or your need to keep pushing through every obstacle. You are the one who has to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re carrying it all by yourself.

This phase is lonely because no one can truly walk this path for you. It’s your vision, your journey, and no one can experience your pain, frustration, or small victories in the way you do. And that’s okay. But it can be difficult when it feels like no one really “gets it.”

The Lessons from the Lonely Phase

  1. You Have to Become Your Own Biggest Supporter: There’s a moment in the lonely phase where you have to realise: no one is going to believe in your dream as much as you do. Sure, your friends may cheer you on, but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to keep going even when no one is watching. You’ll have to push through the doubts, the setbacks, and the feelings of isolation because no one else will do it for you. In this phase, you’ll learn how to be your own biggest cheerleader. If you don’t believe in yourself, it’s hard to keep going. If you don’t remind yourself why you’re working so hard, the journey will feel pointless. Trust yourself, and trust your vision. More importantly, TRUST THE GOD WHO GAVE YOU THE VISION. You and your partner (God) are the ones who know why this journey is worth it.
  2. The Work You Put In Now Is Building the Future You Want: It’s easy to feel like your efforts aren’t paying off, especially in this phase. It might feel like you’re doing all the right things but still aren’t getting the results you imagined. But remember this: every hour you put in, every sacrifice you make, is building your future. The lonely hours are part of the process. They’re part of what will eventually take you to where you want to be. Success doesn’t come from the easy days; it comes from the ones where you’re pushing through when no one else is, the days when you feel like quitting but choose not to. Even though no one can see the sweat and effort right now, know that it’s all adding up.
  3. Not Everyone Will Understand Your Journey, and That’s Okay: The lonely phase is lonely because most people won’t understand. Friends might invite you to hang out, but you’re too busy working. They might tell you to slow down, but you know slowing down could mean missing out on the chance to build something lasting. People may not see the work you’re putting in. They may not understand why you’re sacrificing your time, your energy, and even relationships to chase your dream. But that’s because your dream isn’t theirs-and it’s okay that they don’t understand. What matters is that you do. This phase will teach you to be okay with that. Your journey is yours alone, and you don’t need anyone’s validation to keep moving forward.
  4. This Phase Won’t Last Forever: The lonely phase can feel like it’s dragging on forever, but it doesn’t last. Success is built in stages, and this stage-the lonely grind, is just one part of the larger picture. Eventually, the results will come, the recognition will follow, and the struggle will transform into victory. But to get there, you have to endure the loneliness. Know that this is a temporary part of your journey. And when the success does come, you’ll appreciate it that much more because you’ll know what it took to get there.
  5. You Don’t Have to Do It Alone, But You Do Have To Be Willing To Walk Aloneyet, when you walk with GOD, you’ll realize you’re never truly alone
    While this phase may feel lonely, it doesn’t mean you have to shut yourself off from others completely. Seek out those who understand your grind, like-minded individuals who can offer wisdom, advice, or even just a supportive ear. Surround yourself with people who genuinely uplift you. But remember, no matter how much support you receive, the work, the real work, is yours to carry. The sacrifices, the tough decisions, the relentless pursuit of your goals, they all rest on your shoulders. It’s okay to lean on others, but never forget that the weight of your journey is yours to bear, and the strength to carry it comes from within. And while you walk this path, remember, you are never truly alone. When you have faith, God walks with you. His guidance, strength, and wisdom will carry you through even the most isolating moments.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Lonely Phase

Success rarely comes easily, and it almost never comes without moments of loneliness. But if you’re in this phase, don’t see it as a setback. Instead, view it as a crucial part of your journey. You’re in the trenches, putting in the work that will pay off in the long run.

There’s no doubt it’s tough, but the lessons learned in this phase are invaluable. The grit, the resilience, the confidence to keep going when no one else is cheering you on—that’s what will get you to the top. And when you reach that top, you’ll look back and realize that the lonely phase wasn’t a barrier, but the foundation for the success you’ve earned.

Stay strong. Keep pushing. The lonely phase won’t last forever. And when the success comes, you’ll know you earned it.

Your Sister,
Sharon Paulina Boye
17th April, 2025


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