We experience numerous cycles in our lives. We can’t manage anything, change anything without first acknowledging it. Acknowledging, being aware of where we are located as we travel life’s path is essential to navigating it successfully.

Picture each section of the journey as an “S”

The cycle begins at the bottom of the S. This is where we prepare. We assess where we are. Will we venture on the right path? What is the right path? Allows us to pause along our journey and check in. “How am I doing?” What adjustments do I need to make? Kind of like a pilot checking his flight plan.

Now picture the more vertical next section of the S. You’ve embarked. Your in motion. Energetic as you travel the path you’ve set out on. Prepared capably. Success is yours. Progress. You are enjoying the relationships in your life. If you’re running a business, your preparation is yielding a harvest of good business. Profits are strong.

I’m rarely asked to offer my consulting services when one is on this section of the S.This is what I refer to as “the harvest.” Pulling fish in the boat …hand over fist.

Which brings me to the third section of S. As humans we only have so much emotional, mental capacity. We can only harvest for so long. We begin to slow. Our efforts are creating less even though we’re working harder. “What’s going on?”

See the top of the S? This is the “plateau.” We’ve reached the peak. Productivity, success maybe at its height. Time to coast. Our as it’s said, “Enjoy the fruits of your labors.” Sure. But there’s only one way to coast … that’s downhill.

The question is … what’s next? The answer. Start a new S.

If you look back on your life, your career, you will see it’s been a succession of S es. A series of distinct cycles of preparation, harvesting, slowing and ultimately plateauing.

If your aware of where on the cycle you are, you can navigate your path more successfully. The most successful I’ve worked with will anticipate approaching a plateau and begin preparing for the next S beforehand.

When you step back at any point in any endeavor. Examine which phase of the S Curve cycle you might be on. Will help you plan, respond, do better.