Some people believe that the length of time they’ve stayed somewhere automatically earns them a promotion, reward, or recognition. You hear it everywhere; “I’ve been here since the beginning”, “I was among the first”, “I’ve served longer than all of them.” But the truth is, proximity and longevity do not guarantee progress. You can be around for years and still be standing in the same spot, watching others rise, not because they’re lucky or favored, but because they’re producing results.
In today’s world, excellence, uniqueness, and results speak louder than time served. Organizations, communities, and even churches are no longer moved by how long you’ve stayed, they’re moved by what you bring to the table. Our generation is performance-driven, impact-centered, and results-oriented. Being in the room is not enough; what you contribute while you’re there is what counts.
It’s very common in our workplaces, communities, and religious spaces to see people who feel entitled simply because of longevity. They’ve been around for years but have nothing tangible to show; no growth, no innovation, no measurable difference. Yet, when someone new steps in and begins to deliver, they take offense, label them “favored,” “connected,” or even accuse them of having “spiritual backing.”
But let’s be honest, success is not a spiritual coincidence. It’s a product of preparation, consistency, and value. You can be at a place for 10 years and still remain unseen if your output stays the same. You can also be there for six months and command attention if you’re committed to excellence and self-improvement.
The formula for success has not changed so let me share few with you:
1. Build Capacity – Learn, unlearn, and relearn. Don’t just occupy space; grow in skill and mindset.
2. Deliver Results – Let your work speak. People remember impact, not attendance.
3. Stay Excellent – Excellence always finds a voice, even in silence.
4. Be Unique – In a world full of replicas, originality is power.
5. Stay Humble Yet Strategic – Humility opens doors; strategy keeps you in the room.
You don’t deserve promotion because of how long you’ve stayed; you earn it by how much you’ve grown and what you’ve contributed. Longevity without value only breeds entitlement. If you want recognition, let your work make the noise.
Because in this season, it’s not about who came first, it’s about who became better.
I am Michael Khojo Ameyaw
