Gradualism vs Punctuated Equilibrium
Darwin's theory of evolution proposed the idea that very small changes over very long periods could result in cumulative changes large enough to bring about speciation. This idea of small incremental changes over time came to be known as "gradualism," and I see that as the standard model of website progression at WA. Most people don't have a lot of time to devote to their training and websites, but bit by bit, a step at a time they slowly make significant progress.
In the early 1970's the paleontologists Eldredge and Gould noted that fossils for which there was a very good record over a very long period stayed very much the same for long periods, and often went from time of first appearance to extinction with no appreciable change. Meanwhile, new related species arose quite suddenly--there were brief episodes of radical change within a lineage. This model of speciation came to be known as "punctuated equilibrium." The analogy to progression at WA is not perfect, but this presents another pattern--one where we do relatively little for long stretches, likely because we simply do not have the time, but these long periods of equilibrium are punctuated by occasional bursts of intense activity that bring about rapid leaps in progress (we suddenly have a full weekend where we can work on all the ideas that have been brewing).
I have been taking the gradualist approach, spending a little bit of time on WA several times per week. However, it is like sitting down to a full buffet with a doll-sized tiny plate and a stop watch--I ingest little and tend to just grab some dessert. Taking partial steps on such a long journey can be frustrating, but I think I will continue in this pattern since I want to at least keep it fresh on my mind. Still, I am hoping that I will be able to carve out a large chunk of time one of these days where I can really load up my plate and make huge leaps.
So, which pattern do you follow? Are you a gradualist who makes steady, slow progress, or do you stay in one place for a while and then sprint ahead 50 steps? Any advice?
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Probably a combination. Lot of interruption, catch as catch can. It is a good analogy. Makes one think. Thanks......Dick
Thanks for the education... that's what WA is all about, education after all. I would have to say I take the gradualist approach. For example, I focus and produce better between 1am and 7am. That's my daily time for work. After that, I focus on my daily activies. My chores, doctor's appointments, etc. I don't know if that qualifies, but that's what I do.
Whoa--and here I thought I was doing well by deciding to wake up at 5:30 to squeeze in some WA time before work! I keep meaning to buy the book The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod. Sounds like you are already living it (though in your case it may be the Miracle Middle of the Night!!).
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I am certainly gradualist though have had my share of interruptions like the analogy
I think gradualism is a good indicator that you are on the right path. By its nature it suggests a balance, whereas bursts of activity followed by inactivity is not really a sustainable long-term practice. It may be good for rapidly responding to changing conditions or taking advantage of some new opportunity.
thank you hope you have a good weekend