The Power of Consistency

The definition of consistency is "steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc." Unsurprisingly, consistency is a crucial component of being a successful leader. A break in a leader's consistency usually means a break in the team's confidence and trust in that leader.?

So, how do you build consistency in your daily life or leadership style? All you have to do is keep doing the same thing over and over again for the rest of your life. That seems simple and easy, right??

Being consistent is a tremendous challenge for most people. Sticking to a new diet, showing up the same way each day regardless of how you feel, and being the same person in all situations takes a lot of effort. The path to inconsistency is much easier, well-traveled, and filled with many familiar companions.?

We can create new goals and habits to be more consistent. However, that approach doesn't work if we lack the underlying character trait of consistency.?

To sum it up, you need to be consistent to have consistency. But you can only get consistency by first being consistent. Yup! That makes total sense. :)?

James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, was asked about success. His perspective is:

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear.

This quote is a no-brainer for those who are more logical and practical. This approach makes sense and makes you wonder why a quote like this must exist. This quote feels restrictive for those who lean more toward the creative side. You long for the blank page, no rules, and the ability to change daily.??

Regardless of your perspective, building support systems will help you achieve more and keep you more consistent.?

Here are a couple of simple ways to build consistency.?

1. Measure?- there is a vast difference between thinking and knowing if you are consistent. The only way to do that is to measure it. You can have a simple measuring system. A piece of paper, a notes account, or an Excel doc where you track the habits you are trying to improve will help.?
2. Accountability?- sharing your consistency goals with someone else will help. Schedule time with them to review your progress and any setbacks.?
3. Streaks?- for some, competing against yourself for a series of days in a row drives consistency. If that's you, lean into it. Set a goal and see if you can beat it. I have a good friend of mine who is on Day 3,385 of a streak (that's more than nine years in a row)?
4. Examine - if you are still trying to be consistent, take some time to see if the goal is large enough and meaningful enough to devote the amount of energy. Changing your habits is fine if they don't align with your ultimate goals.?

Taking the time to build a system for success will help you significantly. For example, writing this weekly blog post was originally designed to work on my goal of being more consistent with my writing. I have been writing each week for sixty-six weeks and learned that having a system to help craft ideas, refine them, work an initial draft, and finalize the articles helped me be consistent, especially when the willpower wasn't there that week. My new goal is to hit 100 articles before re-evaluating.?

If you have a goal worth pursuing, it's worth building a plan and a support system to help you achieve it. Take time today to work on your plan to be consistent.?

Thank you to all of you who consistently read and respond to my articles. I truly appreciate it. Feel free to leave your comments, questions, or additional tips related to the topic to be more consistent. Thanks!