Consistency – the CHOICE is Yours by Doug Grady, Author, Speaker, and Coach

Consistency is simply the act of repeatedly doing something at a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time. Ideally the repeated task is a positive one that leads to positive change. When we repeatedly do something negative, we typically see negative results. Which makes us stop in our tracks. Or we resolve to focus on positive choices but are inconsistent and stumble. There is a “why” and a “because” for inconsistency.

The starting point of becoming unstoppable is realizing where you tend to get stopped.

The Path of Least Resistance

Why don’t we make change OR why don’t we stick to our commitment to change? Simply, doing something the way we always have is easier. Especially in times of stress, we will revert to the most familiar and easiest path, which is usually not our highest level of performance

Massive failures and massive successes can be reasons for inconsistency. Failures cause us to shut down and doubt ourselves. We freeze. We believe that what we were trying to do must not have been the right approach and we abandon the path. Successes, likewise, can stunt our personal growth. We tend to assume that the success will continue simply because it happened. Yet, the best time to make a sale is right after you make a sale – you don’t want to ride the wave of success, you want to swim out further!

External Vs. Internal Forces

Consistency can be derailed in numerous ways. Some of these are out of our control (external). Sometimes we’re derailed because we let ourselves off the hook (internal).

Understanding the recipe for breakdown will help you identify what stopped you from accomplishing your goal.

External factors cause breakdowns by disrupting your day or intentions. These might include a surprise meeting, a family emergency or feeling sick.

The key to preventing external forces from derailing your progress is to create a structure that supports your personal commitment.

When you feel external forces pushing against you, you need to have identified ways to address the disruption and get back on track. There are 3 different groups of people that make up this support system.

Mentors/Coaches: Who is your mentor/coach that you can call on for support?
Peers: Have at least one lateral associate that you can lock arms with. This person may not have the same skill set or even be in the same industry but is something that you can work together with in partnership.
Mentees: Who are you pouring into? Who is looking up to you? You will benefit significantly when you help another.

Internal factors are much more uncomfortable. When we don’t push through on our commitment, we have no one to blame except ourselves. Ultimately you decide if you’re consistent or not.

No one can do your push-ups for you.
Jim Rohn

Tools for Consistency

Fortunately, there are numerous tools that I have used throughout the years that have helped me stay on the path of consistency.

The key is to PAY ATTENTION. What choice did you make, what were the outcomes from your choice and what are your expectations moving forward?

Take 4 minutes to identify the specific activity you said you would do and then analyze what stopped you from completing the task.
OR
What have you done in THIS difficult environment to thrive and continue moving forward?

Tools for Success:

Journaling: Keeping daily, or at a minimum, weekly notes on successes and challenges will help you not only identify areas for improvement, but also record the large AND small successes you are having that may be missed.
12 Week Year: This system helps you overcome the most common obstacles to performance struggles.
#thisismyera Planner: This is the planner with a purpose – to unlock your potential through an intentional life.
HabitShare: This app allows you to share habits with friends for extra motivation & accountability.

Consistency – the choice is yours. Make the choice to accomplish your goals and tasks every day and you will see positive results.