"No ideal becomes a reality without sacrifice." *
If you want something done, be ready to work hard... be ready to wait... and be ready for challenges. There's usually no short routes and you cannot fast forward time.
There's certainly a process...a learning curve before reaching a goal. This is part of the great adventure called life... albeit sometimes, it could be an uphill climb.
There are also relationships you have to build... which can't be real if no highs and lows are shared. What a waste if projects are done but happy times are missed.
Merits are won through sacrifice, not with lucky charms. Besides, lessons lead to wisdom if there's learning through reflection. And, don't forget to attach intentions to every work done.
If you're up for something good - not for yourself but for society as well - it will happen, at the right time, at the right pace. Just wait with patience and work with persistence.
All these are already counted as gains, if you value not just the output as your success. In the end, patience and perseverance are virtues you would have gained.
* Ref. The Way, no. 175, St. Josemaria Escriva
