It is not really easy and that is because we only read and hear success stories of businessmen that were already successful in the paths that they took. But if you'll ask them how they've been through, they'll answer you honestly that it is not easy.
Yes, giving a business a long time to build up before expecting a return on investment is very important as a sustenance of the business because during that time, the business will be able to build up enough liquidity that will propel its future suitability and also geared the business towards a successful part along the line.
Although the part of being an easy aspect comes from the ability of the business owner to remain consistent and meet up with the business's daily demands and at some point the economic challenges that affects some business may be external forces such as government regulations that have a direct impact on your area of business, so in all sense of it requires hard works, resilience and other attributes to be able to stay ahead in business.