Using "reason for" without using "having" after "for"

Question

I have this phrase:

Another reason for having poor performance earlier but better performance in later sessions...

I just wonder if there is a way to get rid of "having" or is it necessary? How about something like this:

Another reason for the poor performance initially and better performances in subsequent sessions...

I feel like in this case initially does not fit well. Any suggestions for building this sentence correctly and concisely?

Answer 1

The main thing that’s right with those examples is (another) reason for…

… poor performance earlier but better performance in later sessions… is more of a problem than a context.

… the poor performance initially and better performances in subsequent sessions… is less of a problem and still, more a problem than a context.

having makes little relevant difference but if you could correct the rest then it prolly would be better to drop having.

Answer 2

Another reason for performing poorly at first [...]

Most sentences of a similar format to the original can be reworked like this. I won't say it's better or worse style, merely a different option.

Answer 3

You can change "initially" from an adverb to an adjective: "poor initial performance". Another option is to make "performance" the subject: "Another reason for performance being poor at the beginning and better later on ..."