Weekly Thought – December 16, 2025
Fred studied human nature, not as an academic endeavor, but as lifelong observation and analysis. He applied what he learned as templates for board leadership, labor negotiations, as well as leadership, sales and marketing consulting. His clarity in human relations gave him a strong platform in business and Christian leadership.
The Power of the Plateau
Sound development requires a program that provides plateaus in which our information is turned into knowledge through experience and then approaching the next climb. Personal growth is not a series of nonstop climbs. Plateaus allow for assimilation before starting the next ascent. Each person has his or her own pattern and must become adept at reading their graph of climbs and plateaus. Those who try to go up too fast either run out of steam or poorly assimilate their experiences and they develop hollow spots.
All of life doesn’t evenly and systematically move through the pattern. From a distance, a graphed line may look like a consistent incline. However, when studied up close, the viewer sees it is a series of up, down, and flat places. We know the macro view usually differs greatly from the micro.
We have natural divisions in our life, such as family, career, spirit, intellect, finance, emotions, friends, acquaintances, and health. A friend of mine who consults with executives on personal development likens these segments of life to subsidiaries of a corporation. Each one reports to the individual (the CEO) who monitors and supervises the performance of each. This consultant thinks of each of us as a viable corporation with active, accountable divisions.
I like to think of the divisions as interrelated, but distinct in their focus. Clearly, ach one has its own particular life cycle of climbs and plateaus. Therefore, it is important to track all areas of our life and keep time tables charted for area. As we undertake this exercise, we can measure the condition of each division. I do not attempt or expect to have each area in the same mode. Ideally, each has its own seasons for climbs and plateaus. For example, when one is climbing in one’s career, energy and positive stress are redirected in that direction. To strive for climb mode in the other areas is asking for burnout and poor production.
Understanding the syncopation of life’s developmental rhythm keeps us in sync with progress.
This week think about: 1) How could I apply the division (subsidiary) concept to myself? 2) What techniques do I use to manage the climbs and plateaus? 3) Which areas of my life need constant attention?
Words of Wisdom: “Those who try to go up too fast either run out of steam or poorly assimilate their experiences and they develop hollow spots.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress.” (1 Timothy 4:15 NET Bible)