When we think about success, two concepts often come to mind: consistency and motivation. Both play crucial roles in achieving our goals, but they operate in fundamentally different ways.
Consistency – Consistency is the ability to perform a task repeatedly over time, regardless of external circumstances. It’s about creating habits and routines that drive progress.
Motivation – is a spark—it’s the initial drive that propels us toward a goal. It can be fueled by passion, inspiration, or a strong desire to achieve something.
Let’s start with this, if you had to choose between investing in a consistent person or a motivated person, where would you place your bet?
While a motivated individual may start strong, their enthusiasm might diminish over time, leading to inconsistent efforts. In contrast, a consistent person may not always feel motivated, but their dedication to routine ensures that they keep moving forward, even on tough days. Got your answer?
Motivation is kind of like a sugar rush! I can honestly say that I am a highly motivated person, I experience many such bursts of energy in a day. However, there are also days when I just don’t feel like it. So, what do I do? Sit and wait for the next rush? Maybe not! If I only take action when I feel like it, I won’t be where I am or where I want to be—that’s the fastest way to fail. Success doesn’t come from waiting for the right feeling all the time, it comes from moving forward, even on days when motivation is lacking.
Consider the consistency needed for tasks like scheduling social media posts, sending out newsletters, connecting with potential clients, or even writing this bi-monthly blog. Without a structured approach, everything would become chaotic, and I would struggle to make progress.
Motivation is definitely important, it starts from passion and provides that adrenaline boost to propel you forward. While consistency doesn’t always have to start with motivation, it’s essential to use that initial motivation to take the first leap. After that, build on the momentum and push through, especially when you encounter bumps along the way. Don’t use the “I don’t feel like it” excuse to avoid doing what you need to do. If you are not consistent in your work, how can you expect a client to trust you with what they want to achieve?
Consistency wins! When I look at someone who is highly successful—whether in sports, business, or film—I notice a pattern. Have you ever watched a hit movie featuring a new hero who suddenly becomes a sensation overnight, only to fade away without another hit? Compare that to someone who starts with an average film but continues to deliver performances, building trust and credibility over time. They earn a lasting place in our hearts.
Another example is the person who works out three times a week for an entire year compared to someone who hits the gym every day for the first two weeks but then fades out after a month. Who do you think will see better results?
Many people excel at starting new endeavors, but few can maintain that momentum. Consistency doesn’t mean you have to show up 100% of the time. Instead, it’s about committing to take action most of the time. The most successful individuals in the world aren’t necessarily the most talented or gifted. They are the ones who demonstrate the greatest discipline and consistency, putting in the effort over the longest period.
Consistency is a character trait, it’s not something you’re born with but rather something you can cultivate within yourself through habits and discipline. This means that anyone, regardless of their starting point, can develop the ability to be consistent by intentionally practicing certain behaviors.
So how do you build consistency through habits and discipline?
Set Clear Goals: Begin with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. Clear goals provide direction and purpose, making it easier to stay disciplined in your efforts. This is the first and most important step so don’t skip it.
Establish a Routine: Create a daily or weekly schedule that incorporates the actions necessary to achieve your goals. A well-structured routine minimizes decision fatigue, making it easier to follow through on commitments.
Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most important tasks that align with your goals and tackle them first. By prioritizing, you ensure that your energy and focus are directed toward what truly matters, reinforcing your discipline.
Practice Self-Control: Discipline often requires resisting distractions and temptations. Practice saying no to activities that don’t align with your goals, and focus on habits that contribute to your success. This one was a particular game-changer for me!
Use Accountability: Share your goals with someone you trust or find an accountability partner. Regular check-ins with a friend or your business coach can motivate you to stay disciplined and consistent, as you’re more likely to follow through when someone else is aware of your commitments.
Reward Yourself: Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate small victories. Rewards reinforce positive behavior and encourage you to remain disciplined in your journey toward consistency.
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your progress and reflect on what’s working and what isn’t. This self-awareness allows you to make necessary adjustments, keeping you on track and maintaining your discipline.
Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. A growth mindset fosters resilience and encourages you to view setbacks as part of the learning process, helping you stay disciplined even when things get tough.
Building consistency through habits and discipline brings a lot of benefits, like boosting confidence, developing new skills and making us more resilient. When you stick to your commitments, you start to trust yourself more, which makes tackling new challenges feel easier. Consistency might not come naturally to everyone, but it’s definitely something you can work on. Personally, I’ve found that this journey has changed how I see my work and myself. By keeping a disciplined routine, I’ve built a solid foundation of consistency that helps me in everything I do. So, why not give it a shot? You might be surprised by what you can achieve!
Photo by Anna Nekrashevich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-writing-on-notepad-7550886/
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