What I lack

Image Courtesy: Mark Duffel, Unsplash.com

Its been 3 months since my last article. In my attempt to be interesting or at least thought provoking, I trashed various items till I was left with nothing to share. But I am done waiting for something to click. Time to hit the re-set button and practice what I preach about being solution-oriented because I can’t expect a different outcome if I continue in my current, “auto-pilot” mode.

Refer back to my post on “Get Un-stuck”. I understood my problem correctly. Inaction and waiting for some divine signal or magical motivation. It was clearly not going to happen because I was hibernating, unwilling to “do” only hope. And hope without action is unproductive.

As I write this, I must say, it feels good to make small changes to get back in my “zone” but how do I stay on course? In other words, how do I become a consistent blogger?

I am not an expert on consistency, both personally and psychologically. I am not driven to be consistent in all areas of life. But I can do better. So in my pursuit of learning how to be a consistent blogger, this is what I understood.

Team India’s performance against England, Afghanistan and Bangladesh fell short of their world ranking. Many first-round upsets at Wimbledon baffled tennis fans across the world. You might have heard the saying, “If you are persistent, you will get it. If you are consistent, you will keep it.” We expect consistency from our champions and teams. Whether it’s our business, employees or exercise, we all want consistency. Why?

“Consistency develops routines and builds momentum. It forms habits that become almost second nature.” Harvey Mackay

Consistency therefore is all about repetition. Consistency requires discipline but discipline is more than being consistent. Discipline is a bending and training of our wills and desires through doing things that aren’t already second nature. It is easy to be consistent with something you have a great desire for. If you love chocolates it takes little effort to eat it every night. But it requires bending of the will/desire to consume it repeatedly. That is why eating chocolate is yet to make it on a list of disciplines.

Richard Branson is a prime example of consistency breeding success, a discipline that’s kept the Virgin brand growing and thriving over the last 5 decades. He says, “If you don’t have time for the small things, you wont have time for the big things.”

So here I am, acknowledging my inability to write something in months, and why consistency is important to me.

1. It helps me to be taken more seriously. Maintaining the same level of standard and commitment will garner admiration. And it’s easier to believe people who we admire.

2. It promotes quicker success. Take writing for example. If I am consistent with reading, making notes and ideating, it will all match up to help me write.

3. It promotes dedication to my goal. My goal is being noticed and staying relevant. I can achieve both by writing regularly.

4. It promotes action even I don’t “feel” like it.

In essence, “standing firm” regardless of external or internal factors is what I am going to strive to do. So wish me luck!