There’s one thing I’ve learned is true when you work online at home. That’s that for those who want to be successful, consistency beats brilliance every time. It’s not that being brilliant is a bad thing or a waste, but by itself it’s just not enough. The secret to achieving anything is life is to keep working. Consistency is the key to success.
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Success isn’t the result of some magic alignment of the stars
Have you ever known someone who was full of good ideas, was super smart, but couldn’t manage to make anything work?
Most of us have – and some of us can even admit that those characteristics may describe us (or have in the past).
So what separates those who make progress from those who don’t?
It’s definitely not brilliance. Being brilliant is great (I assume), but it’s only one aspect of achievement. Some might argue that it’s not even an aspect at all.
One characteristic successful people share
But one characteristic of people who achieve and are productive is that they are consistent.
Consistent with their plans. Consistent in their work. Consistent in their daily actions.
They aren’t the people who have ideas but don’t take action. Or as my dad would say, they aren’t “all hat and no cattle.”
Personally, I find this knowledge very reassuring. It means that I’m more likely to achieve my goals if I’ll simply commit to doing the daily work that is required.
Now you may be thinking, “But I can’t work on my biz every single day.”
Okay. The principle still applies as long as you commit to weekly steps. After all, many of us have other responsibilities or things in our lives that prevent us from working like we were at a regular 9-5 job.
The key is this: make a plan, figure out the action steps you need to take, schedule them into your calendar, and then work the plan.
Consistency truly is the key to success.
It’s why the tortoise won the race and beat the faster competitor
It’s just like the story of the tortoise and the hare. Normally, no one would place bets that a turtle would ever win a race against a rabbit. After all, the rabbit has a definite speed advantage over even the best turtle.
But sometimes those with natural advantages end up doing just like the rabbit: they piddle around, waste time, and don’t focus on what needs to be done.
Slow and steady wins the race. The same principle applies here in business.
How does this apply to me?
This is great news for all of us regular people out there. I’m talking about those of us who don’t have some natural gift or skill. It means that we can enter the race confidence that we’ll not make fools of ourselves as long as we’re willing to consistency do the work.
You can do it. You don’t have to be brilliant…but you do have to be consistent.
One thing I use to help me stay on track is Trello. I took a great class on using Trello more effectively. But whatever you do, you need a way to schedule and track your actions.
That’s how consistency beats brilliance every time.
I’ve downloaded this book – The Consistency Pill – to my Kindle – can’t wait to get into it!
More to increase your productivity:
I’m a retired educator, mom of three adult children, cancer warrior, sandwich generation member, and lover of life!
I help older women create & live a life they love through radical self acceptance, unapologetic goal pursuit, and relishing the joys of home.
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