Consistency Isn't a Straight Line.

We've all heard that consistency is the key to success, but what we don’t always hear is that it's rarely a straight line. My journey has been filled with moments where I almost gave up, faced self-doubt, or simply needed a break. Yet, those moments of inconsistency were just as important as the times when I was laser-focused on my goals.

1. University Years: Managing More Than Just Academics

When I started my five-year engineering program, I had a vision of graduating with distinction. But life threw a lot at me—working part-time, tutoring four high school students, and being a Red Cross volunteer. There were moments I felt overwhelmed, where it felt impossible to keep up with everything. My consistency came not from rigidly working without pause, but from learning to pace myself, taking breaks when needed, and not giving up when things got tough. Those small moments of slowing down actually fueled my ability to keep moving forward.

2. Consulting Dreams: Facing Setbacks and Finding New Paths

In my fourth year of university, I set my sights on breaking into a global consulting firm. I practiced case studies diligently every week for eight months, pushing myself hard. I made it to the final rounds of interviews with a major firm—the kind of opportunity I had been dreaming of—but when I didn’t get the offer, it was devastating. I had worked so hard, and the disappointment stung deeply.

But I didn't let that stop me. Instead, I shifted my focus and accepted an offer from a boutique consulting firm in Saudi Arabia. At first, I was conflicted. It wasn’t the big-name company I had envisioned, and I felt like I had fallen short of my goal. Yet, in retrospect, this experience shaped me more than I could have imagined. It was in that smaller firm where I gained invaluable experience, honed my skills, and laid the groundwork for future opportunities.

Sometimes, the path we set out on doesn't unfold the way we planned, but it leads us to exactly where we need to be. What mattered most wasn’t just landing that “dream job” right away but being consistent in my growth and adapting to change. That boutique firm became the launchpad that eventually led me to bigger opportunities later on.

3. Career Moves: Planning Long-Term, Not Just for Today

Once I started working in consulting, I knew I wanted to move on to a global firm within two years. Instead of pushing myself every single day, I spaced out my efforts. Some weeks I practiced case interviews, and other weeks, I focused on learning from my current role. My progress wasn’t always visible, and sometimes I doubted whether I was on the right path. But it was the mix of dedication and patience, pushing and resting, that ultimately led me to securing two offers from top firms 7 months apart.

4. Fitness Journey: Building Strength Inside and Out

When I began my fitness journey four years ago, I made a commitment to myself, and I haven’t wavered since. There hasn’t been a phase where I missed training for more than a short while—no matter how demanding work got or how busy life became. My routine is non-negotiable. I’m consistent not just in showing up to train, but in every aspect of my lifestyle. I’m meticulous with my workouts, mindful of what I eat, and perhaps most crucially, I prioritize my sleep. Keeping a regular sleep schedule has been the foundation that keeps my energy high, my mind sharp, and my body resilient.

Fitness isn’t just a part of my life—it’s embedded in who I am. Whether it’s a tough week at work or personal challenges, I know that my discipline in the gym is what allows me to keep moving forward in every other area of my life. My dedication is more than just physical; it's a mental anchor that helps me stay grounded and focused on my goals.

Sometimes, we view consistency as a relentless pursuit of our goals. But what I’ve learned is that inconsistency—the moments where we pause, reflect, or even take a step back—can be just as valuable. These moments of pause are what allow us to recharge, recalibrate, and return with renewed energy.

I still have goals I haven’t reached yet. There are milestones that seem distant, and I’m sure there will be more pauses along the way. But I’ve learned to be okay with that. After all, growth doesn’t happen in a perfectly straight line.

So, here's my takeaway: Be kind to yourself during the journey. Sometimes, the best way to be consistent is to know when to take a break, to rest, and to trust that you’ll come back stronger.