Why Compound Growth is a Silent Killer

and what to do about it.

Stefan Wirth
February 03, 2025

Hi Mate 👋,

most creators die in the "zero views" phase.

Why?

Because they can't grasp the power of compound growth...

And quit right before it kicks in.

This week was purely focused on the boring stuff - building systems and projects nobody sees.

I went live on YouTube and talked to myself for most of the stream.

Zero concurrent viewers.

Posted about this "peak viewership performance" as a meme.

What peak concurrent viewer performance looks like
— Stefan Wirth (@NafetsWirth)
12:36 PM • Jan 31, 2025

Then @jogicodes dropped the truth bomb:

"The problem is that we can’t understand exponential growth"

Visibility is a lagging indicator.

Views are a lagging indicator.

Success is a lagging indicator.

Everything meaningful follows compound growth.

The problem?

Our monkey brains can't comprehend compound effects.

We're wired for linear thinking.

So we quit right before the hockey stick happens.

Right before all the invisible work becomes visible.

The solution?

Trust the process.

Build like nobody's watching.

Because one day, everyone will be.

Still reading: The Coming Wave

Can be a bit “depressing“ read at times, it’s clear we’re not ready for what AI will bring,

Incentives are stacked against slowing things down.

We can just do what we can and hope for the best.

Went livestreaming this week, talking to myself about building in public.

Zero concurrent viewers but infinite learning.

Watch me embrace the void below 👇

Talk Soon, Stefan