This talk debunks the popular myth of overnight success by revealing the unseen dedication, failures, and persistence behind every achievement. It explores how true success is often the result of years of hard work, resilience, and learning from setbacks, reminding us that what looks instant on the surface is usually built on a foundation of effort and perseverance. Bassam Assaf is a student based in Dubai and the founder of DXB Hoops, a youth basketball tournament uniting players citywide. Passionate about technology, he’s contributed to projects like ExamVault, an AI-powered study tool, and an AI call analysis platform to improve meeting performance. Outside of tech and sports, Bassam trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, plays basketball, and actively organizes school and community events. When he’s not busy, he enjoys desserts and catching up on sleep. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx