“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.” — Marie Forleo
In a world that’s constantly changing, where demands seem endless and distractions are everywhere, the ability to remain consistent in our actions, thoughts, and behaviors is a rare but powerful trait. Consistency is not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with purpose, intention, and a clear sense of who we need to be. As leaders, whether we’re leading ourselves, our families, our teams, or our communities, the power of consistency can transform not just our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
The Foundation of Consistency: Who We Need to Be vs. What We Need to Do
Many of us are conditioned to focus solely on what we need to do each day, tasks, goals, and responsibilities. While action is crucial, true consistency starts with understanding who we need to be. Being is about embodying the qualities, values, and mindset that align with our highest self. It means approaching each day with a sense of purpose, integrity, and authenticity.
When we lead with a focus on who we need to be, our actions naturally align with our core values. We become more intentional, and this intentionality breeds consistency. For example, instead of merely checking off tasks from a to-do list, we become present, engaged, and fully committed to each moment, which in turn inspires others to do the same.
The Daily Preparation: Setting the Stage for Consistency
One of the most overlooked aspects of consistent leadership is the importance of daily preparation. Many of us have never truly learned how to prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically to be at our best each day. Instead, we rush into our days, reacting to whatever comes our way, and in doing so, we lose control over our energy, focus, and intentions.
To become truly consistent, we must learn to prepare ourselves daily. This involves creating rituals or routines that set the tone for the day, grounding us in who we need to be. It could mean starting the morning with mindfulness practices, journaling our intentions, setting clear goals, or simply taking a few moments to reflect on how we want to show up for ourselves and others. When we take the time to prepare ourselves, we become more resilient, adaptable, and centered, allowing us to lead with confidence and clarity.
Winning the First Hour of Your Day
One of the most impactful ways to cultivate consistency is by winning the first hour of your day. How we begin our day sets the tone for everything that follows. If we start in a rush, filled with stress and distractions, that energy carries into our interactions and decisions. But if we begin with calm, focus, and intention, we create a foundation that allows us to be at our best.
Winning the first hour means dedicating time to activities that nourish our mind, body, and spirit. It might be exercise, meditation, reading, or simply sitting in silence. By consciously choosing how we spend our first hour, we take control of our energy, emotions, and mindset, which leads to more consistent, intentional actions throughout the day.
Consistency in Leadership: Inspiring Others Through Example
As leaders, our consistency becomes a guiding light for those we lead. When we consistently show up as our best selves, others are inspired to do the same. They see that we’re not just talking about values, integrity, or hard work—we’re living them. This builds trust, credibility, and respect, which are essential components of effective leadership.
Leading with consistency means being reliable, dependable, and steady in our actions and decisions. It means showing up with the same level of commitment, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient. This doesn’t mean we need to be perfect; it means we need to be persistent, dedicated, and true to who we are.
Overcoming the Challenges of Consistency
It’s easy to be consistent when things are going well, but true consistency is tested in moments of adversity. When life throws challenges our way, it’s tempting to abandon our routines, values, or intentions. But it’s precisely in these moments that our consistency matters most. By staying true to our preparation and maintaining our focus on who we need to be, we build resilience and inspire others to persevere, no matter the obstacles.
The Ripple Effect of Consistency
Consistency is contagious. When others see us showing up consistently, they’re more likely to do the same. This creates a ripple effect, leading to a culture of excellence, accountability, and shared purpose. Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just yourself, your consistency sets a standard for others to follow.
Final Thoughts: The Journey of Becoming
Consistency is not a destination; it’s a journey. It’s about committing to the process of becoming the best version of ourselves, day in and day out. It’s about learning, growing, and evolving, even when it’s difficult. As we embrace the power of consistency, we discover that our greatest impact as leaders comes not from what we do, but from who we are.
Start today. Commit to preparing yourself daily. Focus on who you need to be and watch as your consistency transforms not only your life but also the lives of those you lead. And remember, if you can win your first hour of the day, you can win your day, and ultimately, your life.
