In a recent LinkedIn post, Mark O’Donnell discusses the critical, often discouraging, phase of early business development, likening it to pushing a heavy, unyielding stone block. He emphasizes that this period, characterized by immense effort with seemingly little progress, is not a sign of failure but a necessary precursor to eventual success.
O’Donnell uses the metaphor of a square block of stone to illustrate the initial struggle. He writes:
“Picture a big square block of stone. You push it a bit and it barely budges. Every push is heavy, awkward, ugly. It feels like nothing’s happening.”
According to O’Donnell, this feeling of futility is precisely why many entrepreneurs give up. He argues that the effort expended during this phase is actively reshaping the challenge, even if the results are not immediately apparent. This gradual transformation, he explains, is key to long-term achievement.
Understanding the ‘Block Stage’
Mark O’Donnell highlights that businesses, much like the stone block, require persistent effort in their nascent stages. He draws a parallel between the solitary effort of an early-stage business owner and the act of pushing this unmoving stone.
“Understandably, the block stage feels exactly like failing. You’re putting in a lot of effort with no obvious payoff. So people quit right there, convinced it isn’t working.”
O’Donnell points out that the temptation to quit is strongest when progress is invisible. He contends that the critical factor is not necessarily pushing harder, but maintaining consistent effort over time.
Consistency vs. Intensity
A central theme in O’Donnell’s post is the distinction between a one-time, intense effort and sustained, consistent action. He posits that true progress comes from the latter.
“Every push wears the edges down a little. Square becomes rounded. Rounded becomes smooth. Keep at it long enough and that block turns into a sphere that rolls with a fingertip.”
As O’Donnell notes, this consistent application of effort is what gradually rounds the edges of the initial challenge. He contrasts the ‘firefighter’ approach, which implies constantly battling immediate crises, with the ‘builder’ approach, which involves sustained effort until the endeavor becomes self-sustaining.
The Power of Steady Discipline
O’Donnell emphasizes that discipline, rather than sheer force, is the engine of transformation. He argues that pushing harder on a square block is counterproductive, leading only to exhaustion.
“Staying steady long enough for the effort to add up is what actually rounds it. Discipline is what eventually sets you free.”
In O’Donnell’s view, recognizing this ‘block stage’ as a normal part of the process, rather than a personal failing, is crucial for perseverance. He encourages those feeling the strain to take a breath and understand that the heaviest part of the push is often the prelude to momentum. The journey from a square block to a rolling sphere, he concludes, is closer than it feels when one is in the thick of it.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Mark O'Donnell on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 27, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →