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Working hard but seeing no results

Situation

  • You are investing consistent effort
  • Time and energy spent feel substantial
  • Observable results are minimal or absent
  • You are unsure whether to push harder or change direction
  • Stopping feels irresponsible, but continuing feels pointless

This situation appears when effort is decoupled from feedback.

Verdict

VERDICT: SWITCH

Do not simply work harder. Do not stop entirely either.

A change in approach is required.

Why this verdict

  • Effort alone is not producing measurable signals
  • Feedback is too weak to guide adjustment
  • Continuing assumes the current direction is valid, which is unproven

More effort without signal does not create clarity.

What happens if you continue

  • You will accumulate effort without knowing if it matters
  • Fatigue will increase faster than confidence
  • Decision-making will become emotionally driven

This often leads to late-stage burnout or abrupt quitting.

A safer next step

Switch how progress is evaluated.

Before increasing effort: - Define what evidence of progress would look like - Set a short evaluation window - Adjust direction based on signal, not endurance

Clarity requires feedback, not just persistence.