"Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" If you’ve ever taken a car ride with kids, you’re all too familiar with those questions that seem to endlessly remind you that you'd rather reach your destination sooner than later. But those questions don't just come from kids. As adults, we often ask ourselves the same things when it comes to our projects and the progress of our business.
It’s the timeless story of the tortoise and the hare—should you pursue quick wins or invest in steady, long-term growth? In today’s fast-paced world, where viral trends and overnight “tiktok” success stories are everywhere, it can be difficult to trust the slower path of patience and perseverance. In our podcast, Greg and I discussed this dilemma, offering key mindset strategies for prioritizing both business and life, particularly for those in mid-career or the halftime of life. In this article, I expand on four key areas, providing practical insights and applications to help navigate this balance effectively.
The Appeal and Risks
Power of Steady Growth
My grandmother gave each of her grandchildren a $100 bond. Over the years it grew steadily, sitting in the bank. Even though it wasn’t a huge amount of money, when I collected the bond, I was reminded of the principle of compound interest—not just in financial investments but also in personal and professional development. Each step forward builds upon the last, creating momentum that leads to sustainable success. Those who trust the process and focus on continuous improvement tend to develop stronger foundations, deeper expertise, and long-term resilience. This approach requires patience and persistence, but the rewards far outweigh the short-lived highs of quick wins.
Developing a mindset of steady growth means embracing small, consistent efforts over time. It’s about recognizing that mastery and success don’t happen in an instant but rather through deliberate, intentional progress. This is especially true in careers and businesses, where relationships, skills, and credibility take time to cultivate. Those who commit to steady growth may not see dramatic results immediately, but they create a foundation that stands the test of time, providing stability even when challenges arise.
Finding the Right Balance
While steady growth is powerful, there are moments when quick action is necessary. Just like in sports, sometimes an unexpected opportunity presents itself, and you must be ready to seize it. In football, a quarterback doesn’t always throw to the short, safe receiver. Sometimes, stepping back and surveying the field reveals a defender has fallen, leaving an opening for a game-changing touchdown. The same principle applies to business and life—success requires both patience and the ability to recognize and act on rare moments of opportunity.
A great metaphor for this balance comes from endurance cycling. When riding a stationary bike with expert guidance, one key principle stands out: if you only have one steep hill to climb, you can give it everything you’ve got. But if that same hill comes after 100 miles of riding, you must conserve energy and pace yourself. Success works the same way—sometimes, you can sprint toward an opportunity, but in most cases, strategic pacing ensures you don’t burn out before reaching your goal. Learning when to push hard and when to pace yourself is the key to long-term success and fulfillment.
Stories and Lessons
A prime example of a company that prioritized short-term gains at the expense of long-term stability is Toys "R" Us. In the early 2000s, the company struck a 10-year exclusive agreement with Amazon to be its sole toy vendor. However, Amazon later allowed other toy sellers onto its platform, resulting in a legal dispute. Instead of focusing on building its own e-commerce presence, Toys "R" Us relied too heavily on this partnership, ultimately falling behind in the online retail market. This strategic oversight played a significant role in the company's decline and eventual bankruptcy.
On the other hand, Oracle demonstrates the power of steady growth through innovation and strategic leadership. Since its founding in 1977, Oracle has been a pioneer in relational database technology, securing major clients like the U.S. Air Force and CIA. Under co-founder Larry Ellison’s leadership, the company continuously adapted to emerging technologies, including cloud computing and artificial intelligence. This long-term focus has resulted in massive success, with Oracle’s stock experiencing a staggering 100,000% return over the years.
Application
Additional Resources
Finding Authentic Delight in Original Work by Deborah Johnson
Novelty of Thinking for Yourself in a World of Clones article by Deborah Johnson
Hero Mountain Summit- Self-guided or elite 5-month journey of discovery and confidence to move ahead in life and business at halftime
Personalized Mentorship- for those who are serious enough to add accountabiity and guidance to their next steps.
Deborah’s Books on Amazon: Deborah’s Books
- about Greg & Deb
GREG joins DEBORAH as a co-host on Women at Halftime Podcast once a month.
GREG JOHNSON is a former professional athlete, a triple A relief-pitcher with the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) He also has years of experience in sales and as an R.I.A. (Registered Investment Advisor), owning his own business. He & Deb met on a blind date and have been married over 40 years.
Fast wins can be unsustainable, leading to burnout, instability, or even failure when trends shift or market conditions change.
deborah johnson
Thought Leader, Keynote Speaker, Author
If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning
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