You know the saying: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Sounds nice, right? Clean and motivating. But you know, there might be will and no way. So, what happens when the will is burning strong, and the way just… isn’t there? Well, this post is for the ones still trying even when trying hasn’t been enough (yet). For the ones who’ve sent the applications, prayed the prayers, built the skills, showed up to the work, and still, it seems as if the needle hasn’t moved. You’re not crazy. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You are not unfortunate.
You’re just in that weird, quiet space where you’ve done everything “right,” and life hasn’t caught up yet. Sometimes, there might be will and no way, and even in that reality, your effort still matters.
You’re Not Failing. You’re Just in the Fog
We all love success stories. Overnight wins. Before-and-after glow-ups. But we rarely talk about the blurry middle, the in-between, where people are trying their best and not seeing a thing change. The truth? That’s where most of life happens. In that stretch where you’re pouring in more than you’re receiving, where your will is intact but the way seems to be taking its time.
But here’s what we forget: the way isn’t always instant. Sometimes, the way is paved by your consistency.
Trying again (and again) isn’t weakness. It’s quiet strength. And if you’re reading this while feeling like you’re stuck, let this be your reminder: you’re not invisible. You’re in progress. And your effort is evidence, even if the results haven’t landed yet.
What to Do When There’s No Way (Yet)
So what do you do in the meantime? When your will is fully alive, but the way hasn’t shown up? Here are 6 gentle tips to help you stay grounded and keep going, without burning out:
1. Validate Your Effort
Don’t downplay what you’re doing. Trying is not easy, especially when you’re not getting the rewards you hoped for. Give yourself credit for showing up when it would be easier to walk away. Celebrate those seemingly little wins! Stay Audacious. You’re courageous. Don’t forget that.
2. Redefine What Progress Looks Like
Not all progress is flashy. Some of it is learning, unlearning, healing, building grit, and quietly sharpening your skills. Ask yourself: What am I learning in this pause? How am I evolving, even if nothing “big” has happened yet? Your growth is not just tied to external wins.
3. Shift from Control to Curiosity
Instead of “Why isn’t this working?” ask “What else could I try?” Curiosity unlocks new angles. Control often creates more frustration. When there’s no way (yet), curiosity can help you discover hidden side doors.
4. Keep Planting Small Seeds
Apply again. Pitch again. Write the thing. Post the video. Try the course. Rest and then try once more. Even when it feels futile, those small moves compound. That email you send tomorrow could open a door six months from now. Your consistency is a quiet currency, keep spending it.
5. Protect Your Energy
If you’re in the “trying but not seeing” season, be extra kind to your mental health. Say no to things that drain you. Guard your joy. Rest is not quitting, it’s part of endurance. Burnout won’t help you see the way faster.
6. Let Go of the Timeline
You are not late. You are not behind. You are not too old, too young, or too anything. The path you’re on might be winding, but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong. Release the pressure of “by now” and focus on what’s next instead of what hasn’t happened yet.
So, to you, my friend, your effort isn’t invisible. There might be will and no way just yet!
There might be will and no way (yet), but your trying is a signal to the universe.
It’s a flag planted that says, “I’m still here, I still believe in something more.” You don’t need a visible result to prove your worth. You don’t need to “win” every day to be moving forward. Some of your most powerful work will happen behind the scenes, in seasons no one claps for.
But one day, and yes, that day might not be today, something will shift. You’ll get the callback. The yes. The open door. The result that makes all the invisible effort worth it. And when that happens, it won’t just be a win, it’ll be a testament. A story you’ll one day tell that starts with:
“There might be will and no way… but I kept going.”
Recommended resources: Will by Will Smith
With Love,
Opeyemi.
