I used to think that consistency was about perfection. “If I can’t be perfect it’s just a waste of time,” I would say. I didn’t yet know that occasional inconsistency can actually help my progress.
This type of thinking originates from two places:
- A fear of failure: If we talk ourselves out of trying, we can ensure we never fail.
- Unrealistic expectations: We tend to overestimate our own abilities.
The old me would get angry if I wasn’t consistent when it came to work, exercise, or other habits. As a result, I was angry every week.
But for the past years, I’ve adopted a different mindset.
I still think consistency is one of the most important factors in achieving our goals. However, I also think that you can be successful if you’re inconsistent at times.
When you emphasize perfection, you put too much pressure on yourself
When we set out to achieve our goals, we often have a very specific idea of what success looks like.
For example, if we’re trying to get in shape, we might envision working out six days a week and never eating junk food.
However, when we fail to live up to this ideal, we can quickly become discouraged and give up altogether.
This is where the concept of “strategic inconsistency” comes in. Instead of trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal, we should focus on progress, not perfection.
In other words, every little step we take toward our goal is a step in the right direction, no matter how small.
Another reason why inconsistency can actually help us stay consistent is that it allows us to be more flexible. When we set rigid rules for ourselves, we’re more likely to break them when life inevitably gets in the way.
However, if we allow ourselves to be inconsistent occasionally, we can adjust our plans as needed without feeling like we’ve failed. For example, if we were planning to work out for an hour but only have time for 20 minutes, we can still feel good about ourselves for getting some exercise in.
Inconsistency can also help us avoid burnout. When we try to be consistent all the time, we can quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted.
Inconsistent but not lazy
By preventing burnout, we can stay motivated in the long run.
This can mean taking a day off from work without feeling guilty or indulging in a treat without feeling like we’ve ruined our diet.
Of course, being inconsistent doesn’t mean giving up altogether. It simply means allowing ourselves to be human and make mistakes.
By adopting this mindset, we can achieve our goals in a way that’s sustainable and enjoyable.
The most important thing is that you make progress in the long term. Don’t measure your success on a day-to-day basis.
Is your life today better than a year ago? That’s what counts.
By being occasionally inconsistent, we can consistently make progress in our lives.
By embracing inconsistency, we can stay consistent in the long run and achieve the success we desire.
