LessWrong (Curated & Popular) “‘Flaky breakthroughs’ pervade coaching — and no one tracks them” by Chipmonk
Jun 5, 2025
Explore the phenomenon of 'flaky breakthroughs' that many encounter in coaching, meditation, and psychedelics. These temporary moments of transformation often fade due to a lack of integration into daily life. Discover how most practitioners fail to track the sustainability of these breakthroughs. The discussion highlights the importance of accountability in facilitating genuine change. Although fleeting, these experiences don't rule out the possibility of real growth — understanding them is key to lasting progress.
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Common Experience of Flaky Breakthroughs
- Many people experience breakthroughs like ego deaths that feel profound initially but fade over time.
- The breakthrough often isn't integrated into everyday conflicts, causing it to dissipate without lasting change.
Why Breakthroughs Often Don't Stick
- Feeling a breakthrough doesn't guarantee the problem is resolved; many blocks often remain.
- False confidence from unintegrated breakthroughs can lead to setbacks and discouragement in growth.
The Problem with Bypassing Issues
- Bypassing underlying issues with clichés or superficial statements can produce temporary emotional effects without true healing.
- Complex problems often serve protective purposes, so simplistic fixes can be counterproductive.
