The swimming session that changed how I think about success

I have to share something that happened last week that reminded me how to think about progress.

My daughter has been taking swim lessons since she was little. We tried different instructors, different approaches, different pools. Nothing seemed to stick. She refused to get her face wet, not just in the pool, but in the bath, in the shower, anywhere.

As a parent (and honestly, as someone who coaches others through their own growth), it was frustrating. I’d watch other kids her age enjoying the water while she clung to the edge of the pool.

But we kept showing up. We kept taking her to the pool, letting her play and get comfortable on her own terms. No pressure, just presence.

And then last week? Everything changed.

First, she started getting her face wet. Then she went underwater. By the end of the week, she was swimming.

From the outside, it looks like overnight success. But I know better. I saw all those “unsuccessful” lessons that were actually building the foundation. All those pool sessions where she was developing comfort and confidence in ways I couldn’t see.

This is exactly what I witness with my coaching clients and in sales training sessions.

The executive who suddenly finds their leadership voice didn’t just flip a switch. They were processing and integrating for months.

The sales professional who starts consistently hitting their numbers wasn’t just lucky. They were building skills and confidence through every “failed” call and awkward conversation.

Success rarely looks like a steady upward line. It looks more like invisible foundation-building followed by sudden, seemingly miraculous breakthroughs.

I’m actually writing this from the road, heading to deliver a second sales training session with a group I worked with last month. I’m excited to see what breakthroughs have happened since our last session, the ones that might look “sudden” but I know have been building all along.

Here’s what I want you to remember: If you’re in a phase where progress feels invisible, you’re not failing. You’re building. Your breakthrough might be closer than you think.

Whether you’re developing as a leader, growing your sales skills, or navigating a major life transition, trust the process. The foundation you’re laying today is setting you up for tomorrow’s breakthrough.

Ready to trust your own process? I’d love to chat about how coaching or sales training might support your next breakthrough. Book a conversation with me here. Whether it’s leadership development, navigating transitions, or building authentic sales skills, let’s explore what’s possible.

Your success doesn’t have to be linear to be real.

Warmly,
Jenny

P.S. I’m still in awe watching my daughter swim. Sometimes the most powerful lessons come from the smallest teachers.