…growth curve or any other right-hand ascending curve of performance is rarely as smooth as the curve on the graph indicates.
If one looks at the details whether in learning, sports, or business success one will notice that the curve is made up of a series of upward plateaus. Each of these plateaus ends with spurts of progress which immediately decline a bit to a level slightly higher than the previous plateau.
An even closer look shows that the plateaus themselves are quite irregular. Some plateaus are longer than others and have their own troughs and crests though the overall direction is slowly upward if attention is being paid.
The curve is never smooth and though we would like a steady and constant upward rise in our learning, athletic ability, or revenues/profits as we strive for that next leap of progress, it seems we spend more of our time on those plateaus than progressing to the next level.
With even a brief awareness of this, we can understand that by taking hold of the plateaus and working them with greater intention, the length of time spent on each plateau might be reduced.
If we learn to love the plateaus a little more and pay attention to them, those upward spurts of progress, which we all seem to want, may just take care of themselves.
Written while listening to Bela Bartok’s music for strings, percussion, and celeste
William Kerr And associates 