In the zesty world of entrepreneurship, the quest for a magic formula for success is never-ending…
Education? Nope. Skill and Talent? Important - but there is something MORE important.
A big bankroll? Funding is great - but not number one…
Amidst the whirlwind of talent, intelligence, and education, there's one underrated yet powerful ingredient:
Consistency.
It’s the secret sauce that gives your journey flavor and substance.
Talent can open doors, but only consistent effort keeps them open. Education provides a foundation, but it's the regular application of what you've learned that builds empires. This is particularly true for women in entrepreneurship, where the playing field isn't always even. Here, consistency becomes your leverage, ensuring that your efforts accumulate and yield results.
Bias for Action:
My favorite mantra is to have a "bias for action." Ideas, good or great, are a dime a dozen. What sets successful entrepreneurs apart is the actions they take. In a world teeming with ideas, execution is queen. As an entrepreneur, your ability to consistently act on your ideas is what transforms them from mere thoughts into impactful realities.
Consistency vs. Willpower:
It's a common misconception that willpower is the key to consistent action. In reality, consistency is about showing up even when willpower wanes. It’s about commitment on your best and worst days.
Motivation and Starting:
Many misunderstand motivation as the spark that ignites action. However, motivation is actually used best when it is the outcome of action. It’s the product of consistency. As the famous inventor Thomas A. Edison once said,
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
This rings true for entrepreneurs. Begin, and motivation will follow. Consistency breeds the habit that keeps the momentum going.
The Compounding Effect of Choices:
Consistency is about the small, everyday choices that compound over time. Intensity may spur short-term achievements, but for long-lasting impact, consistency is key. A lack of it keeps many from extraordinary results.
Consistency in Unfavorable Times:
Consistency ensures that even in unpredictable times, you’re never cornered into unfavorable decisions. It’s about maintaining a steady course even when immediate rewards aren't visible. This approach ensures that time is an ally, working silently yet effectively in the background.
Giant Leaps and Ordinary Choices:
Behind every "giant leap" are countless ordinary, often unnoticed choices. Seeking a singular, magical moment of transformation is a misconception. Instead, the ordinary, consistently pursued, paves the way to extraordinary achievements.
How to Put Consistency to Work for You:
Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break down your objectives into smaller tasks. Completing these regularly builds momentum and breeds confidence. (And don't forget to CELEBRATE the small wins!)
Create a Personal Ritual: Rituals, such as a morning routine, anchor your day and provide a platform for consistent action. For me, this ritual includes writing in The Five Minute Journal, a handful of vitamins, and walking my dog before the sun is up, (at least at this dark time of year!)
Track Progress Visually: Keep a visual record of your actions and progress. This could be a simple calendar where you mark each day you've worked towards your goal, providing a visual motivator to keep the streak going.
Seek Accountability: Having someone to report your progress to can significantly boost your consistency. This could be a mentor, a peer, or a mastermind group.
Embrace Flexibility: Be adaptable in your approach. If a particular strategy isn’t working, be willing to adjust while maintaining your commitment to your end goal. This is KEY — like all habits and hacks — Consistency is not a 'one size fits all' solution.
Consistency is more than a buzzword; it’s a strategy for success. It's the unwavering commitment to your vision, executed through daily actions, that builds empires. The secret sauce to success isn’t actually a secret at all. It’s the consistent, diligent work that turns dreams into reality... the small, repeated actions where our true power lies.