Patience Before Progress

 

Much like the growth curve in marketing, starting something new often brings a frustrating silence. In most cases, we see little to no visible progress during the early stages—especially in the first half of the introduction phase. This gap between our expectations and reality can be disheartening. Yet, we know—both from our own experiences and from the wisdom of those who came before us—that immediate results are rare. Successful new ventures typically follow a pattern: slow initial growth, followed by an inflection point where progress becomes exponential. This leads into a stable growth phase and eventually, maturity. Take, for example, a product or initiative that needs three to six months before gaining traction. During that time, patience is essential. Rather than rushing or becoming discouraged, we would do well to notice and appreciate the subtle shifts that indicate potential. As the saying goes, “Haste makes waste.” However, if no signs of growth appear beyond that expected window, it may signal a deeper issue with our approach. In such cases, it's important to objectively assess the facts, revisit our original concepts, and be willing to revise strategies or even start afresh. That said, there is also value in continuing without chasing aggressive growth—finding satisfaction in the process itself, even without visible success. It has been almost three years since I retired, and just three weeks since I began this new endeavor. I wrote this essay as a reminder to myself—to quiet my own unwarranted anxiety and to trust the curve of growth.

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