In an era where success appears to come as easily as instant grits, few of us have the stamina for the long haul. Hence, it's easy to fall into the "big break" mentality. "Just wait till I get my big break," we tell ourselves.

You see, before the invention of the internet, life was simpler, even slower. You read encyclopedias to get the information you wanted and needed. People either rang your house phone or knocked on your door when they wanted or needed to speak to you. And guess what? If you weren't home they'd have to wait until you got back before being able to reach you. Many understood the concept of paying your dues and often paying your dues took time.

But in a world where information is knowledge and knowledge is power, where knowledge can be obtained in one keystroke, the world has shifted. The millennial generation and those that all follow have been conditioned to an instant environment where you can go drive through and get your food within minutes. You can get on your phone and get information instantly. You can go to a website and buy anything you want or need. This instant environment is what has heightened the "big break" mentality and here's why it is doing us a disservice:

1. Big break like luck as defined by Oprah is opportunity meets preparedness

Even if an opportunity presents itself there is a purpose to paying your dues. It prepares you for the opportunity and the task at hand. If the break comes but you are not prepared for it, it can be a recipe for disaster and ultimately leads to failure.

2. Not everybody gets that big break. Sometimes you have to create your own luck.

Damon John outlines this in his book. Sometimes just being present paying your dues and paying attention can lead to you identifying and creating opportunities for yourself by adding value to someone else circumstance. It's not all about you getting your big break but you adding value which in turn creates an opportunity for you.

3. Not everyone is suited

What does that mean? Hey, maybe waiting for a big break in an industry that is not your calling. You cannot sing but want to be a singer. So you wait and wait but even if the opportunity presented itself, it may not be meant for you.

In any case, slow and steady wins the race. Do something small every day towards your end goal. Pay your dues. Look for opportunities to add value and as you work towards that goal, when opportunities present themselves, no matter how small, you'll be ready.