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The Power of Consistency: Why Consistency is Better than Motivation Alone
By Becky Rothwell profile image Becky Rothwell
9 min read

The Power of Consistency: Why Consistency is Better than Motivation Alone

Learn about the importance of consistency when it comes to achieving your goals and why it's better than relying solely on motivation.

I recently discovered a chart by Liz Fosslien it showed the difference between relying on motivation and relying on consistency. The chart got me thinking about how important consistency is, not just in our work lives but in our personal ones too. It hit home to me the importance of consistency in everyday life. After all, Rome was not built in a day, and it certainly wasn't built on motivation alone.

We all have those days when we don't feel like doing anything. Maybe we had a tough day at work, or we're just feeling lazy. Whatever the reason, it's so easy to let our motivation slip on these days.

But if we're consistent, even on the days when we don't feel like it, we'll still get things done. And usually, once we've started, it's not as bad as we thought it would be.

Image Credit: Liz Fosslien

The chart displays how motivation can be a burst of energy that quickly dwindles while consistency leads to long-term growth. It's not hard to see how this applies to real life. Just think about starting a new diet or working out. In the beginning, you're motivated and excited to make a change. But eventually, that motivation begins to fade, and it becomes harder and harder to stick with your goals.

It sounds silly saying this aloud; of course, consistency will always trump motivation. However, recently I've been heavily relying on motivation to get anything done.

Motivation is great for getting started, but it's important to remember that it won't last forever. Relying on motivation to get through your day can be a roller coaster ride, with many highs and lows. On the other hand, consistency is a steadier force that will help you stay on track even when you don't feel like it.

In this blog post, I want to discuss the importance of consistency and how we can achieve a more consistent, less fluctuating output.

"Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come."

Dwanye Johnson 

Dart arrow on red dot point
Photo by Afif Kusuma / Unsplash

The importance of consistency in achieving goals

Ultimately, what separates successful people from unsuccessful people is their consistency in taking action, even when they don't feel motivated. Being consistent is more important than being motivated, especially for long-term goals.

It is often forgotten that motivation is a fleeting feeling. It comes and goes, and it's not always easy to rely on. On the other hand, consistency is a habit that we can cultivate over time. We can depend on it, even when we're not feeling motivated. This is important because consistency will help us achieve our goals in the long run.

Anyone who has ever tried to achieve a demanding goal knows that consistency is critical. Whether it's working out, eating healthy, or studying for an exam, there is no substitute for consistency when it comes to reaching your goals. The reason is simple: consistency leads to momentum. The more consistently you do something, the easier it becomes, and the more momentum you build up. Eventually, what was once a struggle becomes a habit, and habits are hard to break. That's why consistency is so important- it is the key to making lasting change. So if you're looking to achieve a goal, remember to be consistent (no matter what), and eventually, you'll reach your destination.

Photo by Kid Circus / Unsplash

How to be more consistent in your actions

There are a few things we can do to be more consistent in our actions:

  • Set realistic goals: Our goals must be realistic; otherwise, we're setting ourselves up for failure. We're more likely to give up when we set unrealistic goals because we can't seem to achieve them.
  • Find an accountability partner: Having someone to hold us accountable can be a great way to stay on track. When we know someone depends on us, we're more likely to follow through. This can be as simple as a study buddy or workout partner.
  • Start small: Trying to do too much at once can be overwhelming, and it's often one of the reasons why people give up. We're more likely to stick with it when we start small because it's not as daunting. We can always increase our goals over time, but it's essential to start small, so we don't get discouraged.
  • Set a schedule: Having a set schedule can help us be more consistent because it gives us structure. When we know when we need to do something, it's easier to follow through.
  • Make it a habit: One of the best ways to be more consistent is to turn our goal into a habit. Once something becomes a habit, we don't even have to think about it- it's just something we do.
  • Find a role model: It's helpful to have someone we can look up to who is consistent in their actions. This can help us stay motivated and on track when we're feeling down.
  • Create a routine: Don't underestimate the power of a routine! A routine helps us be more consistent because it becomes second nature. We know what we need to do and when, so there's less room for error.
  • Set a deadline: When we have a deadline to meet, we're more likely to be consistent in our actions. We don't want to let ourselves down, and we want to finish the task at hand.
Photo by Joshua Earle / Unsplash

The benefits of being a consistent person

There are a few benefits to being a consistent person:

  • You'll achieve more goals: When we're consistent in our actions, we're more likely to achieve our goals. This is because we're putting in the effort on a daily basis, and we're not giving up halfway through.
  • You'll be more productive: Consistent people are more productive because they're not wasting time on things that don't matter. They know what they need to do and get it done without procrastinating.
  • You'll be more reliable: People respect consistency because it's a sign of reliability. When we're consistent in our actions, people know they can count on us to do what we say we will do.
  • You'll develop better habits: When we're consistent, we're more likely to develop good habits. We're doing the same thing repeatedly until it becomes a part of who we are.
  • You'll be happier: Studies have shown that people who are consistent in their actions are generally happier than those who are not. This is because they're living a life that aligns with their values and they're not constantly starting and stopping new things.
Photo by Drew Beamer / Unsplash

The difference between motivation and inspiration

Many people get confused between motivation and inspiration. Motivation comes from within, whereas inspiration comes from external sources. When we're motivated, we set a goal for ourselves and want to achieve it. Inspiration, on the other hand, is when we see something that inspires us to take action.

We all know what it feels like to be motivated. That little voice inside your head tells you to keep going even when you feel like giving up. It gets you out of bed in the morning and helps you stay focused throughout the day. And while motivation is important, it's not the only thing that drives us to achieve our goals. Inspiration is just as powerful, if not more so. Inspiration is what we feel when we see someone else accomplishing something great. It's what drives us to be better than we were yesterday. It's what fills us with hope and determination. So, next time you're feeling down, remember that motivation and inspiration are two of the most powerful forces in the world. Use them to your advantage, and you'll be unstoppable.

It's essential to be both motivated and inspired, but it's more important to be consistent. Motivation can come and go, but we'll most likely take action if we're inspired by something. This is why it's crucial to be surrounded by things that inspire us and seek out new sources of inspiration.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez / Unsplash

Don't worry - Everyone has days when they don't feel motivated to work or get out of bed - that's normal!

We all have days when we don't feel motivated to work or get out of bed. It's normal to feel this way from time to time. Maybe you're feeling stressed about a project at work or dealing with a personal issue. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that these feelings are temporary. They will pass. Here are some things you can do to get through a day when you're not feeling motivated:

  • Take a break: Step away from whatever you're supposed to be doing. Take a walk, listen to music, or read a book. Give yourself some time to relax and rejuvenate.
  • Change your environment: Sometimes, all you need is a change of scenery. If you are working from home, try going to a coffee shop or the library. If you're stuck in a rut, changing your environment can help jump-start your creativity.
  • Talk to someone: When we're feeling down, it's helpful to talk to someone about it. This can help us process our feelings and develop a plan of action. Talking to a friend or family member can also help us feel supported.
  • Take action: Sometimes, the best way to get out of a 'rut' is to take action. Start working on that project you've been procrastinating on, or go for a walk around your neighborhood. Even if it's small, doing something can help us get out of our rut.

Just make sure that you're more consistent than not, and eventually, you'll start to see the results you want. But make sure these days are kept to a minimum. Maybe if you're feeling like that, especially if you've created a habit, you could be burnt out? Don't forget to take a break every once in a while! You need to recharge to continue being productive.

A man in front of a screen with a red arrow
Photo by Frank Busch / Unsplash

Consider consistency like compound interest

It may not be flashy, but it will yield substantial results over time. Consistency is like compound interest in that it builds over time. The more consistent we are, the more progress we'll make. And this progress will eventually add up, resulting in significant changes in our lives.

Anyone who has ever tried to establish a new fitness routine knows that consistency is vital. It can be all too easy to start strong and then fizzle out a few weeks later. But just like compound interest, consistency leads to results. The more consistent you are with your workout routine, the better results you will see. And those results will compound over time, leading to even more motivation to stick with it. So if you're looking to make a change in your fitness routine, remember that consistency is key. Just like compound interest, it will pay off in the long run.

Power (IG: @clay.banks)
Photo by Clay Banks / Unsplash

Don't underestimate the power of motivation

We've already established that motivation alone is not a driver that can be thoroughly relied upon. However, don't underestimate the power of motivation - it still plays a crucial part!

In order to be successful, we need to have a combination of consistency and motivation. Motivation creates the crucial inertia required for consistency.

Anyone who has ever achieved a goal knows the importance of motivation. It is the driving force that helps us keep going when things get tough, and it allows us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Without motivation, it would be all too easy to give up on our dreams and settle for a life of mediocrity. Thankfully, motivation is something that we can cultivate. By setting ourselves consistent goals and taking small steps towards them each day, we can gradually build up our motivation until it becomes an unstoppable force. So whatever your goals may be, don't underestimate the power of motivation – it could be the key to making them a reality.

Photo by Rebe Pascual / Unsplash

What should I take away from this post?

Well, to sum it all up, here are the key points to remember:

  • Consistency breeds habit, and once a habit is formed, it's easier to stick to it.
  • If you're consistent with your routine, you'll be more likely to achieve your goals.
  • Motivation comes and goes - but consistency is always there for you.
  • Consistency helps you find a system that works for you, meaning it will be easier to stick with.
  • Be patient. It'll take time to see results. So don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate changes - consistency is key! Like I said at the beginning of this article, Rome was not built in a day!
By Becky Rothwell profile image Becky Rothwell
Updated on
Personal Development