Everyone loves the story about the big idea — the one that clicked overnight and suddenly changed everything. But no one talks about the in-between part — the waiting for an email reply, the thirtieth version of a presentation, or the moment at 2 AM when you ask yourself if any of this even makes sense.
For me, having an idea has always been the easy part. The real challenge begins when it’s time to pull it out of your head and confront it with reality.
Ideas Are Infatuation — Realization Is a Relationship
At first, everything feels exciting: sketches, plans, moodboards, that ‘this will change the world’ phase. Then reality walks in — spreadsheets, deadlines, ‘can you finish this by tomorrow?’ That’s when the romance fades and discipline takes the lead. And that’s also where you find out who actually stays. Because when most people give up, you decide to keep going — not because it’s easy, but because deep down you know this process belongs to you.
Consistent Fire, Clear Focus
People often tell me I have a steady kind of courage. It’s my strongest muscle — not the one that grinds loudly, but the quiet one that reminds me why I started, every single day.
My drive works in the background. While others wait for the “perfect moment,” I begin — and I don’t stop until there’s a result. Sometimes that means finishing a four-month project in two. Sometimes it means trying ten times until something finally clicks.
Fun fact: my friends call me a “cheerful tornado” — fast and upbeat — but under the speed there’s a calm, focused core.
Success Looks Less Like Fireworks and More Like a Google Sheet
Most of my wins look like late-night messages, tidy tables, and small “yeses” no one notices. There’s no magic; there’s structure, humor when things wobble, and quiet satisfaction when something moves forward — even a little.
Signals I’m on the right track:
- I’m shipping imperfect versions on purpose.
- Feedback is specific (not “nice,” but useful).
- The next step is smaller, clearer, closer.
Humor Saves Serious Dreams
Every project I’ve led had that moment of ‘why did I do this to myself?’ And every single time, humor saved it. I’ve learned that the real trick is not taking yourself too seriously while doing serious things. It’s easy to lead when everything goes smoothly. True leadership is keeping your calm — and your sense of humor — when nothing does.
My Ongoing ‘Recipe’
- Write your idea in one sentence.
- Stop planning. Start doing — even if it looks messy.
- Show it to someone — even your mom.
- Don’t get defensive when you hear feedback.
- Fix it.
- Repeat.
And somewhere between those steps, you become the version of yourself that can build something out of nothing.
The Truth Is
I’m not the kind of person who waits for a green light. I turn it on myself — and then help someone else find theirs.
For me, success isn’t applause — it’s peace. That feeling when you know you gave everything, learned along the way, and stayed authentic. No filters. No permission slips. Just a lot of spreadsheets, laughter, and faith that your idea matters — because you were persistent enough to make it real.
— Ivana Perić
