The Power of Consistency: How Just Showing Up Can Boost Your Chances in Day-to-Day Life

Consistency is often overlooked as one of the key ingredients to success. We tend to focus on big actions and dramatic changes, but it is the small consistent efforts that make a significant difference in the long run. Whether it is pursuing a personal goal, building relationships, or excelling in your career, consistency can be the game-changer. It's easy to get discouraged especially when we have been at something for a while and we are not seeing tangible results. Fun fact is that it is only when we are consistent enough that we can grow in whatsoever field we are going after. Before talking about consistency let's explain what it is exactly.

What is Consistency?

Consistency is the quality of being reliable, steady, and constant in both words and actions. It is about showing up every day, doing the work you need to do, and producing results no matter how little. Consistency is about making a commitment to yourself and following through with it. Quoting from a book I read earlier this year, Atomic Habits by James Clear, he said:

"Changes that seem small and unimportant at first will compound and turn into remarkable results if you’re willing to stick with them for years."

So, consistency could also mean changing your work into habits so it does not seem like work in the long run but a habit you have been able to hone.

Building Habits: The Foundation of Consistency

Consistency allows you to develop positive habits and routines that support your goals. By consistently practising a skill or completing tasks, you build a momentum that makes it easier to keep going. Imagine if you want to become a writer, showing up every day to write for even just 10 minutes will eventually turn into a habit. Over time, this consistency will result in a significant body of work. Habits are powerful because they require less conscious effort over time. By consistently showing up to work on a specific task or skill, you're laying the groundwork for habit formation. This, in turn, makes it easier to stay on track and make progress towards achieving your goals. Let's look at self-taught programmers for example, they never would have become good at those languages if they were not consistently learning, researching and working on projects. So, doing something every day will end up becoming a habit if we can be consistent with it.

Growth Mindset: Embracing the Process

I was once asked a question about which was better, a growth mindset or a fixed mindset and my response was growth mindset, because it embodies the power of yet. Keep saying to yourself the things you are yet to achieve and that just drives you to keep going till you achieve those things. In a growth mindset, being consistent helps you bounce back from challenges and stay positive about learning. When you face difficulties regularly, it becomes a chance to grow, like turning problems into steps toward success. This mix of sticking to things and having a growth mindset can change your life, moving you closer to your goals. The marriage of consistency and a growth mindset is a powerful force, shaping habits, fostering resilience, and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth.

Consistency Drives Progress

Consistency is the driving force behind progress. Regardless of how big or small your goal is, taking consistent action will help you move forward. It is the accumulation of small steps that lead to significant achievements. Whether it is learning a new programming language, losing weight, or growing your business, consistent effort will bring you closer to your desired outcomes.

The Magic of Showing Up

Just showing up consistently is half the battle won. Many people have great intentions and ideas, but it is the action that matters. By consistently showing up, you differentiate yourself from the majority who don't follow through. It demonstrates your dedication, perseverance, and reliability. Often, those who regularly show up are the ones who get the opportunities and breakthroughs.
Even when attributing someone's success to luck, it's worth noting that merely being present or showing up played a crucial role in their fortunate circumstances.

Overcoming Obstacles Through Consistency

Life is full of challenges and obstacles that can often derail our progress. However, consistency helps us to stay committed and overcome these roadblocks. When you are consistent, you develop resilience and a never-give-up attitude. Instead of giving up or getting discouraged at the first sign of difficulty, you persist and insist on finding solutions that others may miss.

Conclusion

Consistency is the secret sauce to success in all areas of life. By consistently showing up and putting in the effort, you increase your chances of achieving your goals and dreams. It may not always be easy, and there might be setbacks along the way, but staying consistent will separate you from the pack. Make a commitment to yourself to show up regardless of anything , and watch how it transforms your day-to-day life.