You make alot of progress right when you start right? Then it starts slowing down, etc. etc...correct?

That's the norm, yes. To compensate for that, you need variety. I use 2-3 different routines that I switch between - every month I've got something new, and that makes your muscles work all the time :flex:

I like to switch every 8 weeks. (after a week off)
I find I can track progress better if I don't change variables too often.
but I have always tended to see a slow down towards week 7 or so...

good news is, gains spike again after the change up (and the week off).