The Place of Consistency in Growth

The problem is not that you’re inconsistent, I believe the problem is that you’ve misunderstood what consistency really means.

Personally, I feel a little guilty about this topic—perhaps even more than the people who will eventually read this. Why? Because I’ve had my share of struggles with consistency. But that is exactly why I believe in its power!

Most people think of consistency as doing something every day with the same level of energy—no exceptions. But I don’t see it that way.

To me, consistency should be on your own terms—it should be personalized!
I remember a friend once promised to read a chapter of a book I sent him and give me daily updates until he finished. I knew he might not stick to his promise, but I encouraged him anyway. For the first 13 days, the updates came without fail. And then… nothing. Silence!
Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. We all suck at this thing called consistency sometimes.

I have built habit trackers in Excel that I never used. I’ve started books I never finished. I’ve launched projects I abandoned halfway when the initial motivation wore off. Even the best of us have similar stories.

But here’s what I’ve learned after reading about and speaking with many high achievers: They struggle with consistency, too. Yes! So why are they high achievers you asked? Well,the difference is that they keep showing up. They keep trying. They keep moving, even when the pace slows down.

Consistency doesn’t mean never missing a day; it means coming back even after you’ve missed many. If you’re going to experience any real growth, you need to be consistent—but at your own pace!

Instead of reading every day, you can read every three days. Instead of going to the gym daily, you can go three times a week—on inconsistent days even. The goal of consistency is not perfection but persistence.

And my friend? I’ve encouraged him to continue from day 14 whenever he can. That’s also consistency—but on his own terms.

So don’t be too hard on yourself. Customize your consistency! Redefine it. Keep showing up, even if it means crawling some days.

Because in the end, it’s not how fast you move—it’s that you keep moving.

😇Leave your thoughts on this perspective and what your struggles and strategies have been on consistency.