Progress is rarely a straight line…
At first glance, the top half of this image is what we all hope for, a smooth ride, a direct line, a clear plan from start to finish.
And then… reality kicks in.
The bottom half tells the truth no strategy document ever fully captures:
Potholes. Setbacks. Storms. Detours…
Moments where you feel like you’re paddling a boat instead of riding a bike. And yet, it’s in those very moments that growth happens.
The Myth of Linear Progress
In leadership, in business, in life, we’re often conditioned to believe that if we follow the right plan, success will follow in a predictable pattern.
But that’s not how people work. It’s not how teams evolve. It’s not how cultures shift.
Progress isn’t linear. It dips, it loops, it stalls. Sometimes it even retreats before it advances. But none of that means it’s broken. It means it’s real.
Resilience Is Built in the Valleys
On my journey to being an executive coach, I’ve seen first-hand that the most powerful breakthroughs don’t happen at the start or the finish—they happen in the trenches:
When a leader finally admits they don’t have all the answers.
When a team chooses trust over speed.
When the storm forces clarity.
These aren’t setbacks—they’re crucibles. They forge resilience, clarity, and character. They help you build “bouncebackability”
And once you’ve made it through those, the wins don’t just feel earned, they are.
Coaching for the Climb
Part of what I do as a coach is help people reframe the struggle. To stop seeing the dips as diversions, and start seeing them as development.
Because if you expect the journey to be bumpy, you’ll bring better gear, you’ll build stronger legs, you’ll prepare your team not just to ride, but to endure, adapt, and emerge stronger.
The Call to Reflect
If you’re in a dip right now—keep going. You’re not off-course, you’re on it.
Let the rough patches build your resilience, your resourcefulness, and your resolve. And remember: no one builds muscle coasting downhill.
Ready for the next part of your journey?
If you’re looking for a coach to help you (or your team) navigate the next climb, dodge the unexpected, and build the resilience to go the distance—let’s connect.
Book a discovery call or get in touch via jason@cranswick-consulting.co.uk
I’ll meet you wherever you are on the map.
Jason Cranswick
Executive Coach | Founder, Cranswick Consulting