One crucial component of success
“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.” - Babe Ruth
Ok, I'll get right down to it. One characteristic I’ve repeatedly observed in my clients and others who are successful in making positive changes in their lives is CONSISTENCY.
It’s a simple concept. Not always easy…although with anything it comes down to dedication, choice and conscious decisions based on your intentions.
You will indeed get to where you want to go with consistent steps. Although sometimes the universe has a different outcome in mind, being persistent with your action (and open to what comes to you along the way) will pay off. There is a saying that one thing people successful people have in common is that they did not give up, despite “failed” attempts or (perceived) defeats. This is true regardless of your definition of success.
I don’t really like the term failure as there is always something to learn from each experience and every opportunity is an outlet for growth. There is no wrong path.
We don’t lose weight by going to the gym once or by eating well for one day. However, with consistency, our small steps lead to big changes. Healthy people are well because of a series of small steps they’ve taken with daily choices. Successful people choose their actions based on what gets them closer to their goal. Athletes and musicians improve their performances with consistent practice.
Do you remember when Diana Nyad made the news? At 64 years old and after five attempts, she swam 110 miles from Cuba to Florida. Ms. Nyad is a perfect example of perseverance.
She kept reaching for her dream, without making excuses or giving up.
There are thousands of stories like Ms Nyad’s. Work by best-selling authors were repeatedly declined by agents or publishers; famous artists had their work rejected; and award winning actors were turned down for roles. Thomas Edison had over 1,000 attempts when creating the light bulb. He allegedly once told a reporter, "I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps." (How’s that for perspective?)
Sometimes it’s easy to make excuses, blame others or stay in our comfort zones, even when it doesn’t serve us. Our ego can sometimes keep us stuck in our stories that prevent us from putting forth the effort it takes to succeed. Or we listen to others who want to squash our dreams.
Each decision counts, even the seemingly small, daily ones. If you do something half-assed, you will get just those results. What you put into it is what you get out of it.
Remember, you can always start again and it’s never too late.
My question for you this week is this:
Is there something in your life with which you could be more consistent? Think about something that you REALLY want in life. What small steps can you take on a consistent basis to get you closer to that?
Be sure to share your insights below as your story can help others as well!
And on a related note: The beauty about coaching is that clients and I speak on a consistent, weekly basis to help ensure action is taken each week (and preferably daily action :) to make positive changes in their lives. Just click "contact" at the top of this page if you’re ready to take action in order to live a more fulfilled life. There’s no obligation with a “get acquainted” call.
