noun a series of short, irregular bursts of activity or progress
Describes a pattern of behavior or development that is erratic or unpredictable, with bursts of progress followed by periods of stagnation or regression
Describes a project or initiative that progresses inconsistently, with periods of rapid advancement followed by delays or setbacks
Refers to a process that is characterized by irregular intervals of activity and inactivity, often used to describe the operation of machinery or systems that experience frequent stops and starts
In the world of writing, 'fits and starts' can refer to the process of writing a piece in sporadic bursts of creativity and productivity, rather than in a smooth, continuous flow. Writers may experience periods of intense inspiration followed by periods of writer's block, resulting in a project being completed in fits and starts.
Psychologists may use the term 'fits and starts' to describe a pattern of behavior or progress in therapy where a client makes progress in some sessions but regresses in others. This can be a common occurrence in therapy as clients work through challenges and setbacks in a non-linear fashion.
Entrepreneurs may experience 'fits and starts' in the growth of their business, where there are periods of rapid expansion followed by periods of stagnation or setbacks. This can be a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey as they navigate challenges and opportunities in the market.
Researchers may encounter 'fits and starts' in their research projects, where they make significant progress in some phases of the study but encounter obstacles or delays in others. This can be due to factors such as funding issues, data collection challenges, or unexpected results that require revisiting the research design.