What is more important being consistent or the amount of times you do something? This is a frequent asked question, which people struggle to understand. Most people live their lives in bouts of motivation. They sprint for a short amount of time, then they quit once they “run out of motivation.” Not many people are willing to consistently chug through with a hobby, job, goal, etc, for a long time.
Obviously, consistency is more important. If you can do something a couple times a week for 10, 20, 30 years, you will be better and know more than if you were to do it everyday for 6 months or a year. Longevity is where you get the compounding affects, not just in finances but in knowledge and skills as well.
Although consistency is the most important, I think if you are able, utilize frequency to start out. The amount of progress you can make starting out balls to the wall is incredible. Think of weight loss, gaining muscle, learning a new skill, etc. You see so much progress right away, then it levels off. This is where the consistency needs to take charge and carry you on. So, take advantage of the “newbie gains” you can make in whatever endeavor you decide. Then drop your frequency if you need, so you do not burn yourself out and quit. At which point, consistency needs to kick in, so you continue on your journey for many years.
How do we keep our discipline to keep working on something year after year after year? We have to set a goal big enough to make it worth the years and years of work. Then we need to set standards for ourselves, which we strive to exceed everyday. Then through action, we build the discipline to continue day after day, week after week, year after year, to consistently work towards our goals. I think setting a big vision and goal for yourself to work towards, is the first step in starting something. Once you know where you are going, you can break it up into little action steps.
If you are struggling with motivation and discipline. I recommend checking out Andy Frisella’s 75 Hard to build your self confidence and discipline. The program really teaches you, that you are in control of your destiny, no one else.
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-Shaun Tutor
Tutors of Life 