If you've ever wondered what real patience looks like, let me introduce you to the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It’s been under construction for more than 140 years! 

Ground broke in 1882, and despite wars, financial woes, and losing its legendary architect Antoni Gaudí to an unfortunate tram accident, it’s still not finished.

The cathedral has survived everything from Gaudí’s let’s see where inspiration takes us design approach ( word on the street was, nowhere…fast) to the Spanish Civil War, which destroyed many of his original plans. Even with modern construction technology, its completion is now projected for 2026, marking the centennial of Gaudí’s death. He’s going to miss his own  ribbon-cutting!

Standing in front of this breathtaking structure, I couldn’t help but think: building a business is a lot like building the Sagrada Familia.

Vision First, Then the Work Begins

Gaudí had a vision. Without it, the Sagrada Familia would be just another unfinished project, like that pile of “someday” ideas sitting in your office ( I have a huge list). In business, if you don’t have a clear vision, where you're going, and why it matters, you’re just laying bricks without a blueprint. Building a road to nowhere. 

Patience, Passion, and Perseverance

If there’s one thing we apostille agents know, it’s that overnight success is a myth. Building trust, expertise, and a reputation takes time. There will be setbacks (Oy, will there be setbacks!) like, documents lost in transit, government delays, market changes, but success comes to those who stay the course. The Sagrada Familia has endured wars, economic crashes, and even a pandemic. You can handle a slow week.

Adapt or Stagnate

Gaudí’s original plans relied on 19th-century tools. Today, construction teams use 3D printing and advanced engineering to bring his vision to life faster. Business works the same way. If you’re still marketing the same way you did five years ago, you might as well be chiseling stone by hand. Stay adaptable, embrace technology, and evolve with the market. Perfect examples of this: Not too long ago, most notaries and apostille agents ignored Google Business Profile &  optimized websites. Today, these are critical for business success. And look at what’s coming tomorrow- Bill Soroka just told me about AI local search. We better get on it! 

Your Business Won’t Take 144 Years (I Hope)

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see the fruits of my labor before the next century (I’d like to enjoy as many ribbon-cutting ceremonies as possible).

That said, meaningful business growth doesn’t happen overnight. Like the Sagrada Familia, we’re all works in progress. Brick by brick, relationship by relationship, success is built on a solid foundation.

So, as you take on your business goals this week, ask yourself: What’s one brick I can lay today that will move me closer to my vision?

And if you ever get the chance, go see the Sagrada Familia. It’s a stunning reminder that the most incredible things take time, and are absolutely worth the wait.

Ready for more? Bill Soroka, the Notary Coach, and I have partnered on the most comprehensive certification program AND support community for global apostille agents. Learn more here.