This is a true story, told to me by a friend who is a professional psychic. My friend once knew an astrologer who was anticipating a fantastic-looking set of influences with great relish. She had it narrowed down to the date and hour. At the appointed time, she was taking a bath -- and died. (Yes, people do die under great transits.)
The problem with transits that don't produce is that all natal planets are not equal. When a weak planet is transited, don't expect much. I use Alexandre Volguine's "Birth Governor" method which, for me anyway, eliminates the guesswork. A friend (something of a media star with a thriving practice) also uses Volguine's system and swears by it. In fact, she won't attempt a reading without it.
Volguine's The Ruler of the Nativity explains the mechanics, which can be tedious and time-consuming. But the Astrowin program includes it. Sometimes a "generational planet" shows up as the Birth Governor, giving it more "punch" that one might expect. For example, Bill Clinton's Birth Governor is Pluto.