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| If only we had access to something like Hermione Granger''s Time-Turner. |
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? That question might seem trite nowadays but play along for a minute.
Time travel?
The ability to fly?
Invisibility?
Mind-reading?
Consistency?
Ok, consistency sounds kind of boring, maybe even common, but it's not.
Consistency as a superpower means:
- keeping your word,
- showing up,
- following through on commitments,
- walking the talk,
- being a good person, and
- demonstrating respect to everyone, regardless of their title, status, gender, abilities, wealth, or race.
And when you are consistent, you will:
- build trust (this is BIG!),
- earn respect,
- get results,
- enhance loyalty, and
- live with integrity.
Here are some ways to rev up your consistency.
- Decide. Put consistency on your radar and keep it front and center. Write it on a post-it, set an alarm on your phone, ask Alexa to remind you daily, or look at the benefits I listed above. Heck, get a tattoo that says "Consistency" in some fancy script if that what it takes. (Ok, maybe don't do that one.) The point is: Do what it takes to prioritize consistency.
- Be impeccable with your word. Commit only to that which you will actually do. This requires taking a good look at your schedule, motivation, time and abilities. Yes, it's much easier said than done and there are plenty of online resources to help you with any of these items. Remember, being a people-pleaser doesn't please people when our words are hollow. Intentions don't provide.
- Take a self-inventory. Pay close attention to what you are consistent with right now. Are you moody? ←Explore that. Do you make promises to yourself you don't keep (e.g., I'll exercise every day! I'll speak up more at work! I won't eat sugar! etc. etc.)? ←Stop that. Are you consistently inconsistent? ← Notice that.
- Notice the ripple effect. We are all interconnected. Our attitudes, words, and actions have an effect on others. For example, when someone is counting on us and we don't do what we said we will do-- that impacts them and also their relationship with you.
- Set a good example. Like it or not, others are watching.
And to the naysayers who say consistency is overrated or dull, you are missing the point. 100% consistency doesn't exist. Of course, you can still change your mind, innovate, surprise people, and so on. The point is to be purposefully consistent with the things that matter. As Tony Robbins says,
"In essence, if we want to direct our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions. It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.
Time-Turner photo by Sarah Hall https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarahxcaulfield/