Consistency For Success

“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” ~Tony Robbins

Consistency!

We know it’s important. In fact, consistency is often dubbed the key to success.

And for good reason. Targets are reached and goals are met following consistent execution of the right actions.

It’s not just steps towards achievement that bring success. Consistency in the form of healthy habits and a positive attitude contribute, too.

Have a little think today about areas in your personal or professional life that you’re trying to improve.

What do you need to do consistently to succeed, and how well are you doing now?

A few thoughts to consider…

What kickstarts your day?

I don’t know about you, but I operate much better when I get regular exercise.

In particular, a morning run. It wakes me up, sets my brain into motion, and prepares me mentally for the day ahead.

Some of my best thinking, ideas and solutions happen during this time, so for me this activity brings a lot to the table.

I may not feel like it every morning, but I know my day won’t flow the same if I don’t get up and get out there.

What’s something you do to start your day mentally and/or physically in the right direction? Yoga, meditation, reading…?

Are you consistent behind the scenes? 

First, there are what I like to call front of house actions – the things we do directly to achieve a goal. In other words, the work itself. For example, the actual steps we take to launch a business, sales and marketing efforts to boost revenue, coursework and studying to obtain a degree, daily writing to finish a book, regular training to complete an Ironman, etc.

To make these things happen, and to perform them to the best of our ability, we need to be organised and balanced behind the scenes. I think of these as our back of house routines.

For instance, consistent quality sleep, regular exercise – as in my example earlier, daily plans and preparations, organised home and work environments.

You can read more in this related post: 7 Back Of House Routines For A Productive Workday

We spin a fair share of plates each day. What do you need to do daily to support your front of house activities?

“Same Bat-Time, Same Bat-Channel”! 

If you were growing up when ‘Batman and Robin’ was a regular television series you’ll know this quote. Each episode ended with the voiceover telling you to tune in next time, same bat-time, same bat-channel. And if you were a fan you couldn’t wait, you’d be front and centre for the next perilous episode. Same time, same place.

Reflect on which activities hold a regular time and place in your daily schedule. When do you clean your teeth, break for lunch or start your commute?

There’s a greater chance we’ll perform an action consistently if it occurs at a consistent time. If you’re struggling to make progress on a goal, strategically assign a logical, consistent time of day for it. Look for hidden pockets or reconfigure your day if necessary.

• Claim the hour from 6am – 7am as reading or writing time.
• Practice a new language on Duolingo during your twenty minute train commute.
• Schedule a recurring time block or two each morning and afternoon for making sales calls.
• Order groceries online every Saturday so you always have healthy food in your home.
• You get the idea…

Here’s an action point for you: Identify one thing that would make a positive impact if you were to do it consistently.

If you get stuck, think of some of your recent successes and how you achieved them.

Where are you not seeing the results you desire, and what one thing would help?

– Decide what it is and when you’re most likely to do it.

– Then commit, starting today. Start now if you can.

– Commit to being consistent everyday.

– Even when you don’t feel like it…

How has consistency brought success to your personal or professional life? Please share!