Growing into Greatness: Mastering the Art of Consistency
“The key to success is having a vision, connecting that vision to purpose, adding passion, which will fuel purpose, and putting in the work. A vital component is consistency. When you’re consistent, action becomes habit. Habit will push you forward on days when you are struggling.”
Last week, I recorded the 100th episode of the Growing into Greatness podcast. Honestly, I started 2024 with the need to prove to myself that I could do a few things consistently. There are a whirlwind of ideas going through my head daily and I am prone to getting excited, implementing, and then losing interest to another great idea. Can anyone relate? So I completed a self-assessment, identified things that I deeply cared about and set 2 goals for the year. The first was completing a service project each month of 2024, and the second was the Growing into Greatness Podcast. I would consistently record a motivational message each weekday for a year. So far, I missed 1 day while on travel. Here are a few strategies to master the art of consistency, transform habits and achieve success.
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Consistency is not just about doing the same thing over and over. It's about being intentional about a thing that you care deeply about. It is about maintaining your energy and focus, even when the excitement wanes or the path gets rocky. The good news is that consistency isn't a trait you're born with—it's a skill you can cultivate. So, how can you make consistency a key player in your journey. Here are a few strategies to weave into your daily routine:
Break It Down: Would you like to become an A.I. expert in 2024? Run a marathon? Big dreams aren't just achieved in one go; they're a series of small, manageable steps. Whether it’s improving your health, advancing in your career, or mastering a new skill, break these goals into bite-sized tasks. This makes the journey feel less daunting and keeps your daily progress clear and motivating.
Establish a Routine: Our minds and bodies thrive on routine. Determine the part of your day when you're most energetic and dedicate that time to your most important activities. Maybe you're a morning person who can conquer the world at 6 AM with a cup of good, strong coffee, or perhaps you're a night owl who gets inspired when everyone else is winding down. I am a morning person so I tend to write and record before 7am. In a great week, I write several episodes in one sitting, pre-record and set it for delivery each morning. On a stressful day, I am recording at 11:30pm to get it out before midnight. Find your rhythm and stick to it.
Stay Inspired: What is your WHY? If your why is powerful enough, the part of your brain that values purpose is committed to your success. Always, remember why you started. Keep a vision board or a journal because they can be a powerful motivator on those days when it feels harder to stick to your plan. If you are motivated by doing, checking that box daily is the sweetest feeling of accomplishment.
Flex Your Discipline Muscles: When you're consistent, action becomes habit. Habit will push you forward on days when you are struggling. Just like in yoga or running, the more you practice discipline, the stronger it gets. Each time you choose to stick to your schedule, despite feeling like doing otherwise, you strengthen your ability to maintain consistency.
Surround Yourself with Support: They say you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with folks who are also chasing their dreams, who are also committed to their growth. If you are learning how to code, find your techie tribe; if you are building a container garden, connect with a few friends at the plant store who are doing the same; if you are learning how to invest, join an investment club. There’s magic in community and accountability. Plus, nothing beats having a cheering squad who understands your struggles.
Celebrate the Small Wins: Every step forward deserves recognition. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. These little celebrations can boost your morale and keep you motivated. Maybe it's a small treat for a week of completed tasks or a day off after a big project wraps up. Recognizing your effort reinforces your commitment and keeps the flame of passion alive. I could have waited a year to celebrate but why not celebrate 100 episodes.
Remember, consistency is less about never missing a day and more about how quickly you get back on track after a detour. I missed a day of the podcast when I was a featured author at a conference at Georgetown University. I was so excited about that opportunity that the day escaped me; it was oh darn moment. Thankfully, consistency is just about making the conscious choice to the return to your path, time and again, until your goal is achieved.
Comment and let me know what your goals are and what is motivating you to stay consistent.
