The secret to lasting success is this

It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately and talking about with marketers and entrepreneurs. It doesn’t matter what it is: building a podcast, getting traction on LinkedIn, or building a business. The people who succeed are those who keep at it long after others have given up. 

Scott Clary, host of the Success Story podcast, shared his take on persistence with me on a recent episode of Talking Too Loud, and his takes really hit.

Here are some of the top lessons from our chat:

1. Reps Matter More Than You Think

Scott’s message was simple: “People don’t put in enough reps.” He explained that success isn’t about one big win—it’s about showing up consistently, day after day. For each podcast episode he creates, Scott produces “100+ derivative pieces of content,” distributing them across every platform. It’s not just about creating; it’s about maximizing each opportunity and continuously testing what works.

And here’s where it gets real: “People think they’re testing more than they actually are.” We often think we’re pushing hard, but it’s easy to underestimate the amount of iteration needed to make something great.

2. Consistency Beats Motivation

Scott pointed out that most creators fail because they rely too much on motivation. He said, “Motivation is like going to the gym in January.” It might get you started, but it won’t sustain you. What makes the difference is building systems that let you do the work consistently over time—even when the initial excitement fades.

This one hit home. At Wistia, we’ve learned that consistency is built through self-improving systems. Whether it’s content, product development, or building a team, it’s the systems that allow you to fail fast, pivot quickly, and keep you moving forward when things get tough.

3. Think Long-Term

Scott also emphasized a crucial point: “Find a way when you’re starting something, to commit 10 years of your life to it.” It’s not about short-term wins but building something meaningful that can endure. 

I felt this one, too. Life is too short to work on things you don’t love or with people you don’t vibe with. If you go into something with the intention of doing it for the long haul, make sure it’s something you can keep in day in and day out. If it is something you can enjoy over a long period of time, you’ll have more chance of success. 

I continue to be inspired by people who have found a way to be in the game for an unimaginable length of time. It’s not easy, but it’s the surest path to success.

If you want to dive deeper into Scott’s insights on persistence, testing, and long-term thinking, check out the full episode of Talking Too Loud here.