We often assume that life works in a linear fashion – that we will receive a unit of return for each unit of effort we put into a given task. However, most areas of life follow two different types of growth: logarithmic and exponential. Understanding these types of growth can help us set our expectations appropriately and accelerate our progress toward our goals.

Logarithmic growth, the first type of growth, increases quickly in the beginning, but the gains decrease and become more difficult as time goes on. This type of growth can be seen in areas such as fitness and strength training, literacy, language proficiency, weight loss, and musical skill. To succeed with logarithmic growth, one must learn to fall in love with the boredom of doing the work and maintain consistency as improvements dwindle.

Exponential growth, the second type of growth, increases slowly in the beginning, but the gains increase rapidly and become easier as time goes on. This type of growth can be seen in areas such as investments and wealth, email subscribers and website traffic, entrepreneurship and business growth, and social media followers. To succeed with exponential growth, one must be remarkably patient and diligent and give their best effort even when getting average results.

To accelerate progress on a given curve, one can break the task down into smaller tasks that can be mastered more quickly or play a different version of the game with the highest growth curve. By understanding the type of growth curve they are dealing with and implementing these strategies, individuals can achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

In conclusion, most things in life have some type of growth curve, and it’s essential to understand the type of curve you are dealing with to set your expectations appropriately. Additionally, you can use the strategies mentioned above to accelerate your progress regardless of the type of growth curve you are on.