Molly Graham
The J-Curve: Falling Before Flying
Inspired by Molly Graham episode
Molly Graham's career J-curve—performance drops before it soars—is every parenting transition, especially potty training.
Molly Graham's career J-curve: when you take on something new, performance drops before it climbs. You get worse before you get better. The dip is where most people quit. The dip is also where the magic happens, if you can stand it.
Potty training is a J-curve. Before: diapers work perfectly, zero accidents, you're coasting. During: accidents in places you didn't know could have accidents, constant vigilance, you're doing more laundry than a Victorian housemaid. After: freedom, independence, a future without wipes.
But that middle part. Most parents tap out in the dip. Too hard, too messy, maybe they're not ready. Sometimes true. But sometimes you're just in the dip, which is designed to make you quit.
You have to fall before you fly. The dip doesn't mean failure. It means you're in the exact place you're supposed to be. The place that sucks.
