[U-shaped curve]

A recognisable but not referenced often enough image is the U-shaped curve.

This applies to hero’s journeys, habit forming, and difficult projects. We start out all enthusiastic and energetic, heading down the curve with momentum. Next is the flat part in the middle, where things are hard and we want to quit. But it’s not over until we put in the hard yards, and then we see some successes, and the climb up the other side of the valley is tolerable because at least by then we can see progress and results.

The U-shaped curve is real. Keep at it!