Consistency in Action

by Krista Keil

Consistency. How difficult could it be, right? I thought I was at least decent at the skill, until a friend challenged me to do one thing at the same time every single day…and I failed- miserably. This became a powerful reflection point for me- it became evident that consistency was one of my areas of weakness. I began to reflect upon how being more consistent could help me achieve greater balance in my life and lead me to achieve my short and long term goals. Ultimately, consistency is necessary to develop effective habits.

The human person, by nature, is a creature of habit. Habits (for better or for worse) help us develop routines and daily rhythms, they are in effect, repeated patterns of behavior. Habits to some degree are circumstance dependent; when we are young, our habits are a product of our environment, those around us, and those who lead us. Many habits that carry us into adulthood stem from our childhood experiences, but the older we get, the more our free will becomes an essential component of the habits we form: we have more freedom and responsibility to construct new habits and deconstruct old ones. This process is critical for our personal growth and development. Growth happens in stages, and every so often it’s important to assess our growth. Asking ourselves questions such as, am I growing or remaining stagnant? Are my habits helping or hindering my growth? What are some habits in my life that need to be changed? What are some habits that I’m proud of? What habits will help me achieve my dreams and goals?

In reflecting upon our habits, it’s important to understand how habits impact our day to day. In actuality, habits impact all spheres of life (psychologically, physically, and spiritually). “Habits,” are not just limited to actions. We develop habits in thought, in word, and in deed. The way we think about ourselves and other people, our level of optimism, the way in which we communicate (or don’t), how we eat, how much time we dedicate to others, how much time we spend on our phones, these are all habits. To create lasting change in our lives, consistency is a must- even if it’s consistently not doing something (such as using social media, or refraining from certain language). Consistency is itself, a habit. Developing good habits and the virtue of consistency requires a long-term commitment and involves sustained effort in doing what you’ve committed to repeatedly do. Consistency requires your resolve, your will. Are you willing to give it?

This year’s character theme for YLF programs is “Habits & Virtues.” Students and staff will be learning how the cultivation of virtue and effective habits are interconnected, drawing content from Steve Covey’s, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” As motivational coach and speaker Tony Robbins says, “consistency is what transforms the average into excellence.” How will you implement more consistency in your daily routine and strengthen your habits? How will YOU transform your daily work from average to excellent?