To answer this question, we first need to understand what we mean by "linear".
In this context, we mean a 2D geometrical representation of a straight line between point A and point B. However, what usually people mean by "not linear" is that it's not straightforward.
You set a goal and then you expect to achieve it exactly as you imagined.
The reason that almost never works is because our plans are not based on reality itself, but on our representations of it, and as you might expec -we're not very good at creating accurate mental maps.
The map is not the territory.
In fact when it comes to your goals the territory is nothing like the map, and you could even say, there isn't a map at all.
Imagine setting a destination and then somehow finding a way to navigate successfully without using a map or knowing the territory. No matter how ludicrous that sounds, this is how goal achievement works.
You have a need, you have a rough idea of what to expect attempting to fulfill that need, but that's pretty much it. That's why any journey starts with answering the questions like: what do you want; or where do you want to go?
So, in this context, progress is not straightforward because you don't know what you will get, things are going to arise and so the unexpected is the only reasonable thing to expect.
Reality doesn't care about you, you should care about it. When we start any project, we make a plan, and that's the best shot we have at predicting what is going to happen based on all the available information to us. But as we start following that plan, taking action we are going to get some feedback from reality itself.
Some things will work, others won't, but what really matters is that we now have new, available information based on which we can adjust our plans further.
The reason people ask this question is that we have unreasonable expectations. We tend to think that reality should bend to our wishes when in fact to alter reality we need to pay attention to it first.
When you take action you always get some feedback some sort of response, and for most people when the feedback is not positive, they get disappointed and quit
But when something doesn't work, the negative results you got contain new data and information based on which, you can adjust your plans and strategies now having more chances to actually succeed.
A failure doesn't necessarily mean a permanent NO, it means NOT YET.
Just like navigating a dark room holding a dying candle, keep going and the way will reveal itself.
Ps: if you like or find this content helpful, please consider supporting my work. I would really appreciate if you could reblog/ share this. Also maybe consider following. Thanks, Alin.