I'm there, pushing through the discomfort to complete one more pushup. I can practically hear David Goggins in my mind, shouting, "You've got more in you!" I flop onto the floor, utterly spent. Another day, another goal was met. Just keep it up, maintain that unwavering dedication, and show up. Day in, day out, until the day you don’t.
What happens when that inevitable day or moment happens that you don't go to the gym or you don't study that chapter?
What then? If you caught my earlier piece, you might say it's because you lost sight of your "Why." You shifted focus, allowed doubt to creep in, let those relentless thoughts take control and boom. Back to square one! Or is it?
I pondered this idea with some friends who offered a few thoughts on the subject. While their perspectives varied slightly, the core message remained consistent. They proposed that emphasizing consistency comes with a touch of pressure, a dash of control, and maybe even a pinch of guilt.
-For me, 'consistency' hints to ideas of discipline, hard work, commitment, and a level of control, even which, at times, I think I can have too much of in my life, and therefore, I find that I consciously try to not become too focused on things.
But I tried replacing the word consistency with 'devotion', and that felt very different. I think mainly because, to me, devotion suggests consistency but with more a sense of love, making those 'why's' feel more fulfilling. And I think that's the key here - which you also hinted to - it's the why's that go beyond just you and your ego, the ones that reflect your values and serve a greater purpose that get you to be consistent." -
Their comments impacted my thoughts on the subject. My initial take on consistency now seemed rigid, one-dimensional. A case of 'great intentions, not-so-great execution.' Infusing consistency into life's mix can provide equilibrium, but here's the twist; it could also usher in hidden expectations and stiffness, even if you're crystal clear on your "Why."
Part of this intricate puzzle is self-awareness. I'm not saying sit there and think, "Well, according to Charl, if I dwell in self-awareness before deciding to skip the gym, that's cool!". I will send Goggins over to your place if you try that malarkey!
What I'm getting at, echoed by my friends, is, yes, we should strive for consistency and progress. Challenge ourselves, grow, face tough choices, and leave our comfort zones. But do it with the consciousness that we are doing it for ourselves. Cut yourself some slack and ensure your "Why" is yours alone. You can trust your progress if you can function in an ego-free realm of self-awareness.
So perhaps take a minute to sit quietly and unpack your idea of consistency. Regardless of the outcome, lean towards tackling tasks, hurdles, and everyday life with the spirit of persistence. We're human; errors happen, slip-ups occur, and that's perfectly okay. When the going gets tough, ride those waves, take those steps... and persist.