Embrace Slow Progress as Unstoppable Change

In 2005, I spoke at the World Bank about ending poverty, brandishing colorful charts showing rapid progress over the previous 50 years. The room applauded politely, then moved on. Seven years later, the Bank replaced its ‘developed/developing’ categories with four income groups. My data had turned a global classification upside down.

It felt like victory, but it didn’t come overnight. Each chart, each lecture, each version tested on students and CEOs was a small step. Over years, as more ministries, banks, and NGOs saw the four-level framework, it spread.

Today, 85% of the world lives in middle tiers—no longer ‘developing’ or ‘developed.’ This change felt impossible at first, but it was inevitable as the data built momentum. That same persistence created child survival, life expectancy, and girls’ education improvements that most still don’t know about.

Real change isn’t a flash of light. It’s a thousand tiny sparks. Recognizing and celebrating these sparks builds lasting optimism and drives further progress.

Start by tracking a key metric in your field—sales growth, health outcomes, learning milestones—over three years. Publish monthly snapshots that show gradual change. Over time, colleagues will see that small, steady wins lead to big shifts, and you’ll transform slow wins into collective confidence—try sharing your first snapshot this week.