How do you define consistency?

A word that is thrown around when it comes to habit making. There are many books out there that lay out the path on how to “be successful”, “find more time”, “heal your trauma”, etc.

Do you notice that these books often lay out someone else’s path that you’re supposed to follow? Do you notice that many of these paths tend to have a linear, check box, framework?

Here’s what I have learned over the years…

Consistency does not happen on a linear path. Consistency takes exploration, which leads to curves, circles, to come back to the path that soon may have yet another hard turn in the other direction. Someone else’s path to success may have turns in other directions, a few more, a few less. No path is ever meant to be the same.

Let’s be honest. Our world praises success. It encourages instant gratification to promote efficiency and “growth”. But for who?

Have you ever been on a path and thought to yourself, “I’m moving, but have no idea where I am going.” or maybe, “I haven’t gone anywhere and I’m doing everything right.” If you have been here, I’m going to tell you the secret.

That path, what some may call a box, was never meant for you. Your “consistency” at that point can be looked at as “checking things off the list” to damn near obedience.

The secret to consistency, in my opinion, involves exploration and enjoyment (my two favorite E’s). Exploration is what you think it is…EXPLORING techniques, practices, etc. It involves TIME and PATIENCE (two things that have not exactly been promoted in our society for a while..a loooooooonnnnnnnn-nnnnng while). It takes learning what connects with YOU. What aligns with how YOU think, YOU act, YOU feel. Secondly, enjoyment is what you think it is…you ENJOY it. You enjoy the process. You keep moving forward because every little thing you do you learn from. You can find where it fits in your path. YOU ENJOY THE JOURNEY.

When you look at consistency from this perspective, there is room for trust and curiosity. Two things that I feel are squashed as we are raised into “responsible adults”.

Well….I say F*ck that Sh!t.

The disconnect from concepts of curiosity, trust, patience, and INDIVIDUAL growth is what formed the current box(es) we are living in. It’s time to start breaking down the walls of the box(es). Maybe you have to climb over them to begin. Whatever it takes…start to look at what is possible. It isn’t easy work. I’m not going to lie to you. But it is one that involves more learning, development, and success than what can be achieved staying “consistent” on someone’s else’s path.

Make your own path…make your own consistency. 

Trust and enjoy the journey.