When you think about doing something consistently every day do you ever wonder if you’ll get bored? For example, I eat eggs for breakfast most days. I like that I can throw in a bunch of veggies, add some chicken and give myself a power-packed meal. I also write notes of gratitude in my journal every morning.
Eating the same breakfast every morning leaves me feeling nourished energized and ready for the day. Focusing on gratitude has helped me get clear on what’s important and remind myself that even when things seem low there is always something good.
To me, it’s not boring when I know what I am doing consistently helps move me forward.
Do you remember the TV show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood?
At the start of each show, he would enter the room, take off his jacket and tie and put on a comfortable cardigan. He would sit down and change from his dress shoes into a more casual pair. As I write these words I can hear his familiar and comforting voice telling us what he was doing.
On the surface, it might have seemed dull to do the same thing over and over. But for Mister Rogers, it was his way of winding up his work day and shifting into home life. The consistent behaviour of a wardrobe change helped shift his mindset from one mode to another.
These are just a few examples of how consistency pays off. Doing something consistently that moves you in a positive direction helps you feel good or transition from one gear in life to another.
Small deposits add up …
I love this simple illustration showing the consistency of daily action. It makes a difference! Walking 10,000 steps per day amounts to 70 marathons a year! But seriously, does that mean I can say I am a marathon runner? Ha, not quite.
When I think about reading 20 pages a day instead of a whole book it doesn't seem overwhelming. 20 pages each day feels both manageable and achievable.
"Habits that are thoughtful, intentional, and aligned with what you want in life will make a difference even when you feel like progress is slow." ~ Sarah Hepburn from Walking Forward: Using the Power of Habit to Navigate the Chaos of Life
Consistency matters for a few reasons ...
Consistency moves us closer to our goals.
If I want to learn how to draw I will get out the pencils every day and practice. Even if, at first, it looks like crap I am going to keep going knowing that bit by bit I will develop my own style and improve.
Consistency frees our minds and leaves room for creativity and innovation.
Steve Jobs was famous for always wearing jeans and a black turtleneck. He rarely, if ever, deviated from his "uniform". When you saw him standing on stage announcing the latest Apple product you knew exactly what he'd be wearing. He didn't have to think about what he was going to wear each morning allowing him to ruminate on more complex tasks.
Consistency provides stability when life gets chaotic.
If you find yourself in a caregiver role for a child or parent staying consistent with what you do to start your day, for example, will ensure that you are in a position to help others. Things like stretching when you wake, taking some deep breaths while the kettle boils and jotting down notes of gratitude can help steady you for the day to ahead.
Consistency helps clarify what's important.
I've been writing a version of this newsletter for four years now. I posted inconsistently at first. I didn't know what I wanted to say. I worried what other people would think. But the more I wrote, the more I published, the more things flowed. The more I wrote the more I found my voice. It was the consistency of writing and sharing that got me there.
But back to my original question... Is consistency boring?
Well, you are doing the same thing day in and day out. Wearing the same clothes. Eating the same food. Doing the same thing every morning. On the surface that might seem boring. But I don't think about it that way.
Consistency is taking action towards what you want in life.
Even if you don't yet have clarity, when you move in the general direction you want to go, when you are consistent with what you are doing, the path will reveal itself.
Life is not a microwave. It's a slow cooker. The consistent, tiny deposits you make through your daily habits will pay off over time. Keep a steady hand and focus on the long term.
Consistency wins every time. It's not boring. I promise.
Tell me, what are your thoughts on staying consistent? I'd love to know.
Walking forward with gratitude,
Sarah
PS - I'd love it if you shared this newsletter and stay tuned for more news from me!
one more thing …
This week over on Instagram and LinkedIn I offered a different perspective on chaos: GRATITUDE
It’s Reading Week (aka mid-term break) for my university-aged boys and the house is full and oh-so chaotic. Different schedules, more people, more stuff(!) and constant buzz.
I’m generally not a fan of interrupted sleep, interrupted working hours and feeling like the house is a mess all the time. Who is?!
But you know what? This week I choose GRATITUDE that my boys want to come home. That they want their friends over. That I can provide a safe, comfortable space for them to land and recharge. And, that I get allllllll the hugs.
This week could be frustratingly chaotic and, at times it is. But I am reminding myself that I have the power to choose my perspective and this week I am grateful for the chaos knowing it’s short-lived, and won’t always be like this.