The Dreaded “C” Word

There are so many vulgar words in our day-to-day vocabulary these days. Some I’ve never even heard of before but non the less they are out there.

To me there is one word, that mother of all words… it’s the dreaded “C” Word that just gets me every time. You might be curious and I’m sure you might even be a little apprehensive asking

“What is the word? It’s Consistency! To me, that is the dreaded “C” Word.

Being consistent has plagued me for as long as I can remember. Sometimes I wonder if I’m naturally wired to be inconsistent. Some of the personality and behavior assessments I’ve taken over time indicate that being consistency certainly isn’t one of my strengths.

The same might be true for you as well. I’d really like to know your secrets and your hacks to keep the things you do and the things you need to do, consistent.

The best strategy to be your best is to focus on and build on your strengths and at the same time manage through systems, processes or delegation those things that are not your strength. That easy to say but many times frustrating to implement.

I recently found a listing of seven strategies that could help lead me to consistency and here is what I found. I have to say, I am making progress and working to figure out how to be even better.

7 Steps to Consistency

1. Create specific, the more specific the better and realistic goals.
2. Create a “do-able” schedule for yourself.
3. Place reminders in and around in your surroundings.
4. Keep going! Even if you make a mistake and you will make a mistake to two from time-to-time.
5. Avoid temptation to deviate from your plan and make sure you get enough rest to avoid becoming exhausted.
6. Remind yourself of the long-term benefits during those times when you feel unmotivated or feel like giving up.
7. Be sure to take time off to recharge. Remember, on the seventh day God rested after he had created the heavens and the earth.

I think there is one other step that we could add to this list and that would be to ignore the naysayers. Especially if they are coming from your own internal dialogue. The late Jim Rohn said, “Beware of the thief on the street that’s after your purse. But also beware of the thief in your mind that’s after your promise.”

“Beware of the thief on the street that’s after your purse. But also beware of the thief in your mind that’s after your promise.”

My hope for you is that you don’t dread the “C” word in your words and in your actions and that you master through behavior change, systems, processes or delegation being consistent. I know you can do it.

Let me know your thoughts!