Why Epiphanies Are Overrated and Progress Comes From Iteration

Waiting for that one spectacular 'aha!' moment to solve your problems? Most people do. The truth is, the natural world rarely rewards us with lightning-strike inspiration. Instead, genuine progress shows up as a series of modest, sometimes clumsy steps that build upon each other. The myth of the epiphany is persistent because stories about instant clarity are cleaner, easier to tell, and frankly, more romantic. Yet, for every tale of a single apple bonking Newton’s head, there are thousands more like the journey from personalized surfboards and dog food to global streaming—a jumbled mosaic of imperfect attempts, each teaching more than success ever could.

Start by scribbling down every idea that’s been bouncing around your head—even the silly or safe ones. Pick just one to tinker with right now and sketch out a way to test it before too much time passes. Give yourself a short, sharp window to try it and jot down what happens. Don’t keep it to yourself: show someone you trust and see what fresh angles they reveal. Skip the pressure to have it all figured out—progress doesn’t wait for inspiration. Try just one small test and learn from it, even if it doesn’t feel like a breakthrough.