Breakthrough

Everyone I know of wakes up on occasions with a song going through their head.  That happened to me this morning and it contained the word breakthrough.  I particularly take notice when it is there, and I have not been singing it.  As is so often the case, the word sent me scurrying to see how the word is defined.
Before I did, I had thought how often musicians and song writers have a breakthrough album.  Up until their breakthrough album they are considered by many as so so.  Then one album or song hits a chord with people, and many are buying it.  The music is good, and something is said that is totally relatable and the words often become personal anthems.
The same happen with the authors of books.  Often the way something is said hits a mark with readers.  From then on people tend to hang on their every word.
When I looked at the meaning of breakthrough it hit me that a key to it is “sudden, dramatic.”  It is not that it was unexpected (though it can be) but more that it finally happens.  Much research seems to be like that.  Mankind is spending millions on cancer research.  It is not spent on a lost cause but in the belief that one day someone will have what I call a light bulb moment, and there will be a leap in treatment and understanding.
That sort of thing happens in numerous fields.  Research and development is a biggy.  Everyone wants t be the one to make the breakthrough.  It is known that without expenditure on it, there is a good chance of being left behind.  It is not a good look to have others more advanced.  What I have may be inadequate.
The History channel has a lot of war programs.  Often they talk about campaigns.  I can picture it now, they often show a map of troops on one side facing off against an enemy.  They then show what the goal is.  It is always to breakthrough the enemy ranks.  Breakthroughs lead to victory.
A key for me in that is that there is always a goal.  There is always an expectation of victory.  There is a knowing what is wanted and going for it.
Expectation for me plays a huge roll in breakthroughs.  If I do not expect change and am always looking at the “can’t” and “why nots” that is all I will find.  On the other hand, if I see what is possible and work towards that, then that is what I will get or die trying.
Just because a thing takes time does not mean it is not going to happen.  Cancer research has gone on for generations.  That does not make it a lost cause, but just a hard cause.  Things I hold out for are not a vain hope.  It may be a while coming but I expect a breakthrough.