Activation energy
Reactions, projects and behaviours need an initial threshold input before they self-sustain.
In chemistry, a reaction needs an initial input of energy to get going. Below that threshold, nothing happens. Above it, the reaction starts and continues on its own. The activation energy is the cost of getting past the threshold.
The same applies to projects, habits, businesses, and behaviours. A new exercise habit requires substantial energy at the start. Once it's running, it costs much less to maintain. A startup needs an activation-energy investment before it can sustain itself. So does a new market entry.
For operators, the practical version: when starting anything new, plan for a front-loaded energy expenditure that won't repeat. Trying to start with the maintenance-level energy doesn't work; you'll never light the fire.
Examples in the wild
Most new initiatives die in the first 90 days because the company tries to staff them at maintenance level. The activation energy is much higher than the steady-state effort.
Getting investors to switch their attention to a new asset class takes massive activation energy (research, regulation, education). Once that's done, the asset class can flow on its own.
Starting a fitness habit, a writing habit, a new diet all require front-loaded energy. The first month is much harder than the steady state. Quitting in the first month means paying the activation cost without getting the steady-state benefit.
Activation energy is one of the mental models we apply through real cases inside the Pareto MBA — a part-time program for professionals who want to think clearly about business.