Mastering Consistency: The Key to Achieving Your Goals
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of Consistency
Achieving consistency can be more difficult than we often realize, especially when we fall into common pitfalls.
I recently celebrated the completion of my 60th article in just a month, managing to write two articles daily. Although I don’t limit myself to a specific niche, I find immense satisfaction in exploring themes of life and love.
Many self-improvement resources emphasize that consistency is vital for success, and I couldn't agree more. My own experiences reinforce this notion: my earnings from Medium became possible through dedicated efforts, and I successfully lost 25 kilograms thanks to my steadfast commitment. The benefits of sustained effort are undeniable.
However, despite my dedication, some projects have not yielded the expected results. For instance, my podcast concluded after a year, and my YouTube channel struggled to gain traction despite a year of regular uploads. This reality underscores that commitment alone doesn’t always guarantee success.
I suspect many can relate to this sentiment, especially those who have penned stories on various platforms without much recognition. It can be disheartening when your efforts don’t resonate with an audience, leading to feelings of disillusionment and possibly abandoning the craft altogether.
In the early stages of my weight loss journey, I managed to lose only 5 kilograms over four months. Yet, during the following eight months, I successfully shed an additional 20 kilograms. This represents a notable difference in my progress. Throughout this time, my consistency remained unwavering. I stuck to healthy eating habits, avoided soda, prioritized sleep, and exercised six days a week. The habits I developed during those first four months persisted, so why did the results differ?
Let’s pivot to my writing on Medium. This marks the start of my journey on the platform, beginning my first month in January.
A month later, my account began to grow. The effort I put in stayed relatively stable; I may have exerted more energy in January, particularly when crafting a lengthy article that has since been shortened.
However, several key factors changed:
- I joined the Medium program in February.
- I became a member of a publication in February.
- I started actively engaging with the community in February.
What lessons can I draw from these experiences? How do they relate to my weight loss journey and my writing path?
Simply being consistent isn’t enough; it’s crucial to engage in the "right" actions rather than just going through the motions.
As Einstein is famously quoted, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."
Your approach to tasks, especially when you’re already being consistent, ultimately influences your success. Sticking with ineffective methods will lead to burnout.
For example, my significant weight loss in the subsequent eight months stemmed from tracking my calorie intake, monitoring my macros, and being more mindful of what I consumed daily. I also realized the importance of customizing a workout plan to fit my unique body, understanding that what works for others may not work for me.
In the same way, writing on Medium requires more than just consistency; it demands an understanding of and adherence to the platform’s guidelines. Just like in any game, skill won’t guarantee victory if the rules aren’t followed.
Thus, while consistency is vital, it’s equally important to evaluate whether your methods align with effective strategies. None of us want to waste time on unproductive endeavors.
Chapter 2: The Role of Engagement in Consistency
The first video, How to Be Consistent: A Simple Secret to Personal Development, delves into essential strategies for maintaining consistency in your pursuits.
The second video, Why It's SO HARD To Stay Consistent, explores common challenges individuals face when trying to maintain consistency in their goals and offers insights on overcoming these hurdles.