To be successful you have to be willing Meaning Factcheck Usage
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To be successful, you have to be… That’s the hard part most people never see coming. It’s about enduring the judgment before the payoff.

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Table of Contents

Meaning

The core message is that true, groundbreaking success isn’t a popularity contest. It demands the resilience to stick with your vision even when everyone around you thinks you’re wrong, or worse, foolish.

Explanation

Let me break this down for you. I’ve seen this play out so many times. The “misunderstood” part isn’t just about people not *getting* your idea. It’s about them actively criticizing it. Your family telling you to “get a real job.” Your friends thinking your new venture is a scam. That’s the crucible.

And the “long time” part? That’s the killer. It’s not a week or a month. It can be years. You’re building something that doesn’t fit the conventional model, and the conventional world will push back until you have the results to prove them wrong. Success isn’t just about being right; it’s about being able to *stay* right while you’re being told you’re wrong.

Quote Summary

ContextAttributes
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
CategorySuccess (341)
Topicspatience (51), perseverance (25), vision (38)
Literary Styleassertive (142), minimalist (442)
Emotion / Moodencouraging (304), lively (108)
Overall Quote Score76 (131)
Reading Level55
Aesthetic Score70

Origin & Factcheck

This quote comes straight from Robert T. Kiyosaki’s 1997 personal finance classic, Rich Dad Poor Dad. While the sentiment is often attributed to other thinkers, its specific origin in this context is Kiyosaki’s book, which was first published in the United States and has since become a global phenomenon.

Attribution Summary

ContextAttributes
AuthorRobert T Kiyosaki (98)
Source TypeBook (4032)
Source/Book NameRich Dad Poor Dad (43)
Origin TimeperiodContemporary (1615)
Original LanguageEnglish (3668)
AuthenticityVerified (4032)

Author Bio

Born in Hilo, Hawaii, Robert T. Kiyosaki graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and served as a Marine Corps helicopter gunship pilot in Vietnam. After stints at Xerox and entrepreneurial ventures, he turned to financial education, co-authoring Rich Dad Poor Dad in 1997 and launching the Rich Dad brand. He invests in real estate and commodities and hosts the Rich Dad Radio Show. The Robert T. Kiyosaki book list spans personal finance classics like Cashflow Quadrant and Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing, along with educational games and seminars.
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Where is this quotation located?

QuotationTo be successful, you have to be willing to be misunderstood for a long time
Book DetailsPublication Year/Date: 1997; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1612680194; Last edition: 2022 Revised Edition, Number of pages: 336
Where is it?Chapter 8: Getting Started, Approximate page from 2022 edition: 254

Authority Score87

Context

In the book, Kiyosaki uses this line to explain why most people never achieve financial freedom. They’re trapped in the “Rat Race” because they crave the approval and understanding of their social circle—their “Poor Dad” mindset. The “Rich Dad” philosophy requires breaking from that herd mentality to see and act on opportunities others fear or ridicule, like investing in assets instead of just working for a paycheck.

Usage Examples

Think about it. Who needs to hear this?

  • The Entrepreneur: You’re burning savings, working 80-hour weeks, and your in-laws are asking when you’ll “give up this hobby.” This quote is your fuel. It reminds you that the doubt is a sign you’re on the right track, not the wrong one.
  • The Artist or Creator: Your work is too different, it doesn’t fit the current trend. Galleries reject it, labels pass. This is the mantra for every innovator who had to create their own audience because the existing one didn’t get it yet.
  • The Career Changer: You’re leaving a stable, prestigious job for something uncertain but passionate. The “are you crazy?” comments will flood in. This quote is your shield.

To whom it appeals?

ContextAttributes
ThemeWisdom (1754)
Audiencescreators (124), entrepreneurs (1006), innovators (35), leaders (2619)
Usage Context/Scenarioleadership mentorship (1), motivational sessions (94), personal growth videos (3), startup culture talks (1)

Share This Quote Image & Motivate

Motivation Score85
Popularity Score84
Shareability Score80

Common Questions

Question: Is this just an excuse for being stubborn and not listening to good advice?

Answer: That’s a great question, and it’s a fine line. The key is discernment. Being misunderstood for a valid, well-researched vision is different from ignoring critical feedback on a flawed plan. You have to know the difference between someone not understanding your *paradigm* and someone pointing out a genuine *flaw*.

Question: How long is a “long time”?

Answer: There’s no set timer. It’s as long as it takes for your results to speak for themselves. For some, it might be a couple of years building a startup. For others, like an artist, it could be a lifetime before their work is truly appreciated. The commitment is to the process, not a deadline for validation.

Question: Doesn’t this lead to a lonely existence?

Answer: It can feel isolating, for sure. That’s why you have to intentionally build a small circle of people who *do* get it—mentors, a mastermind group, a supportive partner. You’re not seeking to be a hermit; you’re seeking the right tribe, which is often much smaller than your social circle.

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