Is Exponetial Growth a Myth?

We’ve all been there. Grinding every day, putting in the work, and seeing... nothing. The metrics don’t budge, the revenue stays flat, and every day feels like a rerun of yesterday. Sound familiar? That’s the dreaded “flatline” of growth. And if you’re stuck in it, you might be tempted to walk away. But here’s the truth: That flatline is often the setup for the hockey stick moment.

The Flatline: Why Growth Feels Stagnant

Growth isn’t always linear. In fact, in most cases, it looks completely stagnant before the breakthrough. Businesses, startups, and even personal development follow a frustrating pattern:

The Hard Work Phase: You build the foundation, work tirelessly, and expect results.

The Frustration Phase: You see little to no traction. Doubt creeps in. Maybe you’re doing it wrong? Maybe it’s not worth it?

The Inflection Point: Something finally clicks—an idea, a partnership, a new strategy.

The Hockey Stick Effect: Growth explodes. What felt impossible now seems inevitable.

Hockey Rules: Why You Can’t Quit at the Flatline

If you’ve ever watched hockey, you know that momentum shifts can happen in an instant. A team can be outplayed for 50 minutes, down by three goals, and then suddenly—one goal changes everything. The momentum flips, and what seemed like a lost cause turns into an unstoppable force.

Business growth works the same way. You’re not seeing results, but every small effort is pushing you closer to that tipping point. The assist pass that sets up the goal might not seem like much, but without it, the puck never finds the net.

What Causes the Hockey Stick Moment?

So what triggers that inflection point? Here are some of the most common catalysts:

Market Awareness Hits Critical Mass – People finally start noticing your product or service.

A Key Partnership or Client Joins In – One big player changes the game.

An Internal Breakthrough in Strategy – A tweak in messaging, a shift in pricing, or a pivot that suddenly makes everything click.

Compounding Effort Pays Off – Content, outreach, and ads suddenly start working because they’ve been building under the surface.

Final Whistle: Don’t Leave the Ice Too Soon

Most businesses and entrepreneurs quit during the flatline phase—right before the breakout. The ones who make it are the ones who push through, knowing that all the effort is accumulating toward an inevitable shift.

So, if you’re stuck in a loop, feeling like every day is just another Groundhog Day, remember: Hockey rules. The game can change in an instant, but only if you stay on the ice long enough to take the shot.