About this quote

Looking at a new project or country from its messy beginning requires a massive leap of faith. You have to look past the immediate chaos and picture what people will see years down the line. It is easy to get bogged down in the daily grind of planning and fighting. Can you zoom out far enough to see if your current struggle is actually building something worth celebrating? True builders focus on the long-term payoff, even when the present feels like a disaster.

When to use it

• When a founder is pulling an all-nighter to launch their company's core product: 'We are working eighteen-hour days right now, but years from now we will look back at this launch day as the start of something massive.'
• While planning a chaotic but milestone family reunion: 'The logistics are a nightmare and everyone is stressed, but this gathering is going to be the tradition our kids talk about for decades.'
• A student finishing the final thesis defense prep after months of research: 'I need to remember that this painful week of studying is the foundation for my entire future career.'
• A coach addressing the team after they survive a grueling pre-season training camp: 'Remember this brutal week of conditioning when we are holding the championship trophy at the end of the year.'