The Hardest Truth About Starting Something New…..
Ever started a new habit—like hitting the gym or eating healthier—only to feel like nothing’s happening? You step on the scale, look in the mirror, or track your progress, and it feels… pointless.
But here’s the kicker: you’re not supposed to see results right away.
In fact, the magic doesn’t even start until day 90 (and beyond). Success, whether it’s physical, mental, or financial, follows the law of compounding. That means you’re putting in effort now for rewards that will snowball later.
Sounds frustrating, right? Let me share a story that’ll put it all into perspective.
The Slow Climb That Leads to the Big Wins
Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, famously said, “My wealth has come from a combination of living in America, some lucky genes, and compound interest.” What’s wild is that most of his net worth—over 95% of it—was made after his 50th birthday.
Early on, Buffett wasn’t rolling in billions. His first investments were slow, painstakingly small steps. But he stuck with it. Over time, his portfolio grew, and by the time it hit critical mass, compounding did the heavy lifting. Today, his net worth exceeds $100 billion.
What does that mean for you? Whether you’re building a fitness routine, growing your mind with personal development, or investing, your initial efforts won’t feel rewarding. They’re not meant to.
But if you stay consistent, something incredible happens.
The Power of Day 90 (And Beyond)
Every new habit or venture starts with a frustratingly slow climb. It feels like nothing is working because progress doesn’t show up in the early days. That’s why so many people quit right before their breakthrough.
The truth? Results don’t come on Day 1—or Day 30. They start showing up on Day 90 and compound exponentially after that. Here’s why this matters:
- Fitness: Your first three months at the gym might not give you a six-pack, but your body is adapting. By month three, you’ll start noticing strength and definition that compounds over time.
- Personal Development: Reading one book won’t rewire your brain. But imagine the mental shifts after reading consistently for three months—or a year. You’ll think differently, speak differently, and approach challenges with a whole new mindset.
- Investing: Your first $100,000 is the hardest. Why? Because there’s little to compound with. But after hitting that mark, every dollar you invest grows faster. When you’re at $900,000, the final $100,000 is a breeze thanks to compounding.
Are you starting to see the pattern?
3 Secrets to Staying Consistent When Results Feel Far Away
Secret #1: Focus on Input, Not Outcome
Most people quit because they obsess over results. Instead, focus on the action itself.
- In the gym: Commit to showing up 5 days a week, no matter how you feel.
- In personal development: Make reading or journaling a daily non-negotiable.
- In investing: Automate your contributions so your money grows without effort.
When you focus on the input, the results take care of themselves.
Secret #2: Track Tiny Wins
Progress is invisible unless you look closely.
- Measure small wins—like lifting 5 more pounds or finishing one book per month.
- Break big goals into smaller milestones (e.g., saving your first $10k instead of focusing on $100k).
These small victories keep you motivated when the big results feel far away.
Secret #3: Commit to 90 Days (Minimum)
Tell yourself, “I’m sticking with this for at least 90 days.” Why? Because you won’t see results before then.
- Treat it as an experiment. Even if it feels slow, you’re building momentum.
- By Day 90, you’ll be amazed at what compounding has started to do.
Commitment builds discipline, and discipline delivers the results you’re craving.
Compounding Is the Ultimate Secret to Success
Remember this: Everything worthwhile in life grows through compounding.
- The first few weeks of a diet won’t feel like much. By month three, you’ll see real change.
- Your first $1,000 invested might feel pointless. By year ten, that money could double, triple, or more.
- Personal growth might feel slow at first, but one day you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come.
The key is sticking with it long enough for the results to snowball.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been feeling discouraged, remind yourself of this truth: You’re doing the hard work now to reap the rewards later. Success isn’t instant, but it’s inevitable if you stay consistent.
What habit or goal are you committing to for the next 90 days? Share it in the comments—I’d love to cheer you on.
And if this post resonated with you, follow the blog for more insights like this. Let’s grow together!
