Have you ever set out on a project or life goal, excited and confident, only to discover that nothing goes as smoothly as you imagined? Deadlines slip, obstacles appear, and things sometimes feel like they’re falling apart before they come together.
Quote
“Everything takes longer than you plan, never happens the way you want, and always gets worse before it gets better.” – Ed Latimore
Context and Meaning
This quote is a reminder of life’s messy reality. Progress rarely follows the straight line we envision in our heads. Plans will shift. Expectations will be challenged. And, almost inevitably, struggles will intensify before a breakthrough comes. Instead of being surprised or discouraged, Latimore encourages us to expect these bumps as part of the process. The quote isn’t meant to discourage—it’s meant to prepare us.
Real-Life Example
Think about starting a business. You might envision customers lining up immediately, profits flowing in, and everything clicking perfectly. But the truth? It takes longer to build momentum. Marketing campaigns flop. Unexpected expenses arise. You may feel like you’re digging deeper into a hole before you see daylight. Yet, many successful entrepreneurs will tell you—those early setbacks built the resilience and creativity that ultimately made their ventures succeed.
How to Apply It to Your Life
- Expect delays, and plan for them. When you schedule a project, double your timeline.
- Detach from perfection. Progress will rarely look like you imagined, but forward motion counts.
- Embrace the dip. When things seem like they’re falling apart, it often means you’re stretching beyond your comfort zone—and that’s where real growth happens.
Instead of resisting the struggle, see it as a signal you’re on the right path. The “worse” part is often just the messy middle before the reward.
🤔Question for You
What goal in your life right now feels like it’s taking longer, harder, or messier than you expected—and how might this quote help you reframe the struggle as part of the journey?