Only bad things happen quickly

One of the common fantasies entertained by those seeking change in their lives is that it can be rapidly achieved. Once we "know" what to do it appears we ought to be able simply to do it. That these sudden transformations are rare is a source of puzzlement to many.
When we think about the things that alter our lives in a moment, nearly all of them are bad: phone calls in the night, accidents, loss of jobs or loved ones, conversations with doctors bearing awful news. In fact, apart from a last-second touchdown, unexpected inheritance, winning the lottery, or a visitation from God, it is hard to imagine sudden good news. Virtually all the happiness-producing processes in our lives take time, usually a long time: learning new things, changing old behaviours, building satisfying relationships, raising children. This is why patience and determination are among life's primary virtues.

Excerpt from Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart.
This is the title of the book I'm reading by
Gordon Livingston and enjoying a bunch.
I highly recommend it.