Consistency is Key (TWIL #2)
I am back. Or maybe not.
I know I have skipped a long time coming back to posting on this platform. Also, the title is ironic, isn’t it?
But bear with me.
While I won't dwell on the reasons for my absence from regular newsletters in the past few months, I do want to discuss something that has been on my mind—Consistency.
I've noticed a recurring pattern in my tendency to start things—but struggle to stick to them—and finish them.
While there may not be a definitive finish line in the realm of online content creation, there is a sense of progress and continuity that I aim to build.
The phrase "Consistency is key" is a mantra we often hear.
But how does one truly maintain consistency?
Success is often defined as a culmination of ‘Persistence, Perseverance, and Patience’.
I believe Consistency is the salt that you have to add to all three of them to eat the tastiest meal of success.
When you look at people who are successful, you will find that they aren't the people who are motivated—but have consistency in their motivation.
-Arsene Wenger (Legendary former Arsenal Manager)
So, what is the next step?
In my journey, I would like for this writing habit to be consistent. I would love to be someone who puts out content either weekly or bi-weekly.
Many commitments would be a part of my day-to-day, and this is just another one that I would love to stay consistent at.
Things I would like to keep in check
For each of the three things that I have mentioned above, there are a few things that I would like to follow regarding consistency.
Persistence:
I recently got two plants for my desk. I can keep them as they were brought, give them no attention, and let them die slowly with time.
But the process of regularly watering them, ensuring they get enough sunlight, and making sure the rotten leaves and any weeds are cut off, is something that takes regular effort (this is the bare minimum, literally).
Similarly, consistently working towards my goals, propels my progress. The plants need everything to grow—miss one step for long enough and you can expect a different result.
It's my daily dedication to any journey and a bunch of steps that need to be executed consistently that will turn potential into reality.
Perseverance:
The path to any bit of success always has challenges and obstacles.
My tenacity to endure and overcome these hurdles becomes more manageable when paired with consistency.
Consider a daily habit I have formed over the last three weeks—meditating. I have been meditating on and off for almost 3 years now. But that was it—I never achieved any amount of consistency with that practice.
I used to sit for 3 days and skip for the next 5. Or sit for 5 and skip for the next 8.
I ensured no accountability and let things slide after a day or two, missing the practice on a lot of days.
In the past three weeks, I haven’t missed a single day. During travel, during hectic days, and in the worst of health as well, I tried to sit with my thoughts for at least 10 minutes every day, and I will continue to do so.
This might not seem much, but for me, it is indeed a small step in improving my perseverance through consistency.
Patience:
I have come to terms that anything good rarely occurs overnight.
After going through a very rough patch in my b-school journey—I realized everything here (and in life) is a long game and patience is paramount.
I have let go of a lot of things now— and I'm cultivating a patient mindset.
Mind you, having patience does not mean you wait until you are an old hag who then wants the rewards of what they sowed.
Rewards are secondary, and efforts are primary.
Results are out of your control.
As simple as that.
Consistency is an unsaid ally in this process.
So, through regular effort, I hope to build not only momentum but also the resilience that is needed to handle winds of impatience.
Thank you if you read the thing entirely, and I promise to stay consistent with my newsletters.
Until next time :)
Love,
Abhishek