Life often feels like an endless series of waiting rooms—waiting for that promotion, that relationship, that life-changing opportunity. But here’s the thing: what you do while you wait can shape your future. One of the best examples of this? Issa Rae. Before becoming a household name and the creative powerhouse behind Insecure, Issa Rae didn’t just sit around hoping for her big break. She worked the wait, proving that preparation is key to turning your dreams into reality.
Start Where You Are, With What You Have
Issa Rae didn’t wait for Hollywood to knock on her door; she created her own lane. In 2011, she launched the now-iconic YouTube series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, a relatable show about the awkward moments many Black women experience but rarely see in media. With no big budget or major network, she filmed on a shoestring budget, often using friends as cast members.
Lesson: Don’t wait for the "right" circumstances. Start with what you have. Use available resources to take that first step toward your goals.
Use Your Gifts and Stay Authentic
Issa Rae’s genius lies in her ability to remain true to herself. Instead of conforming to what Hollywood thought was marketable, she leaned into her unique experiences and quirks. Her work became a celebration of Black culture, reflecting diverse, nuanced experiences often missing from mainstream media.
Lesson: Your authenticity is your superpower. Staying true to who you are will set you apart, drawing people to what feels real.
Develop Your Skills During the Waiting Period
Before Insecure landed on HBO, Issa Rae spent years developing her skills—writing, acting, and producing. She used her time creating YouTube content to sharpen her storytelling abilities and learn the business side of production.
Lesson: Use your waiting period to develop your skills. Take courses, read books, and create. Make yourself the best version of who you need to be when that door opens.
Build Relationships and Nurture Community
Issa Rae is often quoted saying, “Instead of networking up, network across.” She focused on building a community of like-minded creatives rather than trying to impress Hollywood executives. Together, they elevated one another.
Lesson: Build your tribe. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and celebrate your wins.
Trust the Process, But Keep Moving
Issa Rae’s journey to success was not linear. There were setbacks and moments of self-doubt. But through it all, she kept creating and trusted the process.
Lesson: Trust that your hard work will pay off, even when the road feels long. The waiting period is not a waste of time; it’s part of your growth.
Your Time is Coming, Sis
Issa Rae’s story reminds us that waiting for your breakthrough doesn’t have to be passive. Whether you’re waiting for a career move, a relationship, or a personal goal, use the time to grow, create, and prepare. When your moment arrives, you’ll be ready to shine.
Your wait is not in vain; it’s preparing you for greatness, just like it did for Issa Rae. Now, go out there and work the wait!
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