Consistency matters
From all the advice that helps any person achieve something, the baseline
is to be consistent in everything. Here is one famous piece of advice: “We
are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
Aristotle. I am very much inspired to write this article because of the
characteristics of a small amount of water flowing on a stone over a
significant period of time. Because of the consistency of the water flow in
the same spot, the stone takes shape as the water demands. Yet, in the first
instance, when we see the water actually flowing on the stones, it seems
the water has no power to change the shape of the stone; their structures
seem very incompatible, but through time, through time!.
“Consistency” is a multifaceted word; when it is applied as a work context,
it means discipline and faith, which are the milestones of significant
success. Let’s say we start reading 15 pages of a book every day, or start
walking every other day for 5 km. When we do it for the first time, it is
somehow difficult, but when it is done for a significant amount of time,
our brain takes it as a habit. But look around and see for yourself how
much you actually read when you continually read 15 pages of a book or
the 5 km walk. When done consistently for 2 years, the result is
remarkable.
Achieving an intended result for some effort is what everyone wants to see
in life, but the multifaceted word “consistency” is the key. As I mentioned
above, being consistent is a way of showing yourself you are disciplined as
well as very faithful to yourself and the effort you exerted to get the
intended result. So next time you have a goal to achieve, break it down
into very small, consistent acts that are manageable and add a time frame,
then do it consistently. Results will start to show in time, and you will start
to see it, and it will help you to be consistent, turning it into a habit and
leading to visible results.
Cheers!
