The Plateau of Latent Potential: Why Persistence Outlasts Doubt By Colleeno Chippy In a world of instant gratification, many give up too soon—right at the edge of a breakthrough they’ll never see. This silent zone where progress feels invisible but growth is happening beneath the surface is what James Clear in Atomic Habits calls the Plateau of Latent Potential. It’s a concept that explains why results often lag behind effort and why staying consistent is everything. What Is the Plateau of Latent Potential? The Plateau of Latent Potential refers to the phase when you’re putting in the work—whether forming a habit, learning a skill, or pursuing a goal—but seeing little or no visible results. This can last days, months, or even years, depending on the goal. It’s the deceptive period where it feels like nothing is changing, yet your consistent actions are slowly building momentum beneath the surface. This is the time most people quit. They believe their efforts aren’t working becau...
