A Secret to Success

Recently I was asked what has been the secret to my success in my career. Many things came to my mind and perhaps my first answer would be that I’ve been blessed to have been surrounded by great people who have helped me along my path. The next thought that came to my mind was consistency. I’ve seen in my own career that when I am consistent, success comes. There is power in consistency that is somewhat hard to explain or fully appreciate. However, below are 5 ways how consistency leads us down the path of success.

#1 Reduces Uncertainty

There is a lot of uncertainty in life which causes fear and impedes us from being the best we can be. Being consistent produces a level of predictability in life that controls fear and allows us to better focus on what’s important. When we are consistent, we can eliminate much of the uncertainty and fear that surrounds us and we can minimize the effects of the natural ups and downs we all have in life. Consistency in many ways solidifies our success.

#2 Good Habits

Consistency results in the development of good habits that help us to be successful. When we are inconsistent, it is hard for us to develop patterns of success in our life. When we learn to be consistent in our thoughts and actions, we in turn develop good habits that propel us toward success.

#3 Unique

Being consistent is a unique quality. In life, whether in action, emotions, habits, or thought, it seems most people are “all over the map.” Thus, when we can discipline ourselves to be consistent we will stand out. Those who are consistent quickly gain respect and credibility from others and I believe have a greater advantage in effectively leading others.

#4 Control

Whether true or not, those who are consistent seem to be more in control then others. I also believe that consistency helps us to realize that we can control our own destiny. When we are inconsistent, it can often seem that our results are out of our hands. Being consistent boost our confidence as it helps us realize that we control our outcomes.

#5 Pay off

Consistency eventually pays off. Though results may not be immediate, when we are consistent, sooner or later we will see results. Many people fail to stick with things long enough to reap the rewards of their efforts. Disciplining ourselves to be consistent and stick with it will surely push us toward success.

Now a rule of warning. Consistency does not mean we fail to change or try new things. Rather the consistency I am talking about is deeper then that. It is consistency in our effort, in our ability to control our thoughts, in our ability to be creative, and in our ability to act. In fact, I believe those who are consistent are more readily able to try something new and to successfully adjust to change.

Though in theory the idea that merely being consistent can have a significant impact on our results in life seems simplistic and perhaps inconsequential, I’ve personally experienced its effectiveness and power. And, disciplining ourselves to be consistent is not an easy task. If we can learn to be consistent we will reduce uncertainty, develop good habits, stand out, control our destiny, and reap rewards for our efforts. There is true power in consistency and I believe consistency can lead us all to greater success in life.