Pillars of Consistency

The importance of consistency has been articulated by many, over many time periods. I think the nature of compounding provides a naturally evident proof of just how important it can be. Whether it is the compounding of money, or skill, or anything else, a consistent directional pull leads to a significant directional path overtime. Consistency in effort to improve is, in my opinion, likely the key element for us to focus on. Consistency is in our control. We act, or we do not act. Consistent action (steps along the path/process) gets us closer to whatever it is we are pursuing. We can't always control the outcomes, what comes at us, but we can control out consistent action, our consistent pursuit.

So, what are the necessary pillars for consistency? Though there may be others worth noting, and I'd be curious to see if anyone has other suggestions, I tend to think there are two that we can lean on: motivation and discipline.

Motivation comes about through our reasoning, our purpose, our passion for the particular course of action. When we feel enthused, when we feel the urgency, when we clearly see a vision of the "why" - these all (among others) bring about motivation to act. That motivation can energize us to act but the question is is that motivation going to be sufficiently consistent? For some, perhaps. In fact, I hope it is for many because that would suggest to me that you have such a clear purpose and vision for why that you are filled with a passion that keeps you energized and committed. I think that is one of the most fortunate things in life - to have a fire burning from within that is so strong and unwavering that motivation to pursue life is unending. But I imagine that much of the world is not like that and that it is more likely that to some extent, most of us (myself included) have felt the dimming of our fire within. We have lost sight of the clear vision, we have doubted our purpose or the purpose of how our lives have evolved. We've lost passion, or lost time for a passion. Perhaps you are like me and you have felt the urgency (of "something" in life) but have felt your fire within grow weak. You have grown tired from the battles, both externally and within your own mind. Perhaps you too have lost faith in the path you have pursued. You question your vision, your "why". What to do when we experience this?

This is where discipline becomes necessary. In the absence of motivation, discipline is where our hopes for consistency must go. Discipline allows us to take that step when we have lost the passion or when we doubt. Discipline moves us even when our faith falters. Motivation is a gift but discipline is skill that we, as an individual, must earn. It's demanding, but it's also provides a power that can secure consistency, which in turn can secure a continual process of growth. I am certainly no pinnacle of discipline, but I do consider myself a disciple of discipline and believe that it can yield freedom.

Diligence, patience, and faith are three elements together create the possibility for unending growth. Diligence is that persistent effort, that consistency of pursuit. I think we want to do what we can to pursue passion, vision, and a "why" that burns a fire within. But we can't forget to practice discipline that gives us the strength to proceed, to be diligent in that pursuit even when our patience grows thin and our faith begins to falter.