The subtle power of consistency: why slow and steady wins the race

Exploring the underrated strength of showing up every day, even when it feels uninspiring

Jan 24, 2025

I've been thinking a lot about consistency lately. Especially on those days when everything feels a little too much, and all you want to do is hit the pause button. We've all been there. Days when motivation is low, energy is scattered, and it feels easier to say no to the goals or habits we've set for ourselves. Yet, something interesting happens when we show up anyway, even if it's just to put in a modest effort.

There’s an inherent power in consistency. A power that’s often understated in a culture that glorifies intensity and speed. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, whether it's viral success, rapid weight loss, or fast-track career paths, there’s something to be said for the quiet, unassuming force of persistence.

Why consistency trumps intensity

The truth is, consistency consistently makes intensity look foolish. While intensity might steal the spotlight with its quick bursts of effort and flashy results, consistency works in the background, quietly building something more durable, more sustainable. But here’s the catch: consistency, by nature, is dull. It’s slow growth, often imperceptible on a day-to-day basis.

Our culture loves speed and instant results. Think about how many "overnight success" stories you've heard, the kind that gloss over the years of quiet effort that led up to that moment. The reality is, it’s rarely the intense, all-or-nothing individuals who achieve long-term success; it’s the ones who show up regularly, regardless of how they feel that day.

Take a leaf from James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, who says: "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."

This is where consistency becomes so powerful. It’s not about huge, life-altering changes overnight; it’s about small, manageable actions taken every day. Over time, those efforts compound, turning into something far greater than any single burst of intensity.

Embracing the "boring" process of growth

There’s a reason why consistency feels so under-appreciated: it lacks the glamour of quick wins. The process is slow and, at times, tedious. Real growth—whether in personal development, fitness, or career progression—requires patience. It doesn't attract much attention because it happens quietly, in the shadows of everyday life.

Podcaster and motivational speaker Simon Sinek touches on this idea of slow progress in his talks about leadership and success. He argues that leadership and personal growth are more about consistency than charisma. His point is simple: anyone can give a motivational speech or make a grand gesture, but real leaders (and real growth), are built on a foundation of steady, reliable actions over time.

The journey to success, in whatever form that takes, is much like planting a seed. It requires care, patience, and nurturing before you can see any tangible results. If you obsess over speed, you risk burning out. If you focus on showing up, on watering the seed each day, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish over time.

Consistency: a marathon, not a sprint

One of the best analogies for consistency versus intensity comes from the world of fitness. You could have an intense workout once a week, pushing your body to the limit. But what’s more effective in the long run is moderate, regular exercise. It’s the daily jogs, the small efforts, that build endurance and strength over time.

The same principle applies to other areas of life. Whether it's developing a new skill, advancing in your career, or working on personal growth, the people who achieve their goals are usually the ones who kept showing up, even when they didn't feel like it.

And let’s not forget the mental aspect. Maintaining a consistent approach helps build resilience. When you commit to steady progress, you're learning to trust the process, even when you can't see immediate results. As the late author and philosopher James P. Carse once said: “There are two kinds of games: finite and infinite. The former is played for the purpose of winning, the latter for the purpose of continuing the play.” Consistency is part of the infinite game—showing up not just to win, but to keep moving forward.

Staying consistent when motivation fades

So how do you keep that consistency when life feels like it's getting in the way?

One strategy is to lower the bar. If you can’t manage a full workout, do a 10-minute stretch. If you don’t have the energy for a big project, take on a small task. Showing up, even at half capacity, is still showing up.

It’s important to remember that progress is rarely linear. Some days will be better than others. The key is not to let one bad day derail your entire trajectory.

Perfection isn’t the goal … persistence is.

As author Angela Duckworth explains in her book Grit, what often separates the most successful individuals from the rest isn’t talent or luck, but perseverance over long periods of time. It’s that ability to keep going, even when the journey becomes tough or uninspiring.

Let's hear your thoughts

How do you maintain consistency in your life?

Whether it's personal growth, fitness, or career goals, I'd love to hear how you navigate the balance between persistence and the inevitable dips in motivation.

Share your thoughts, tips, or experiences… I’m always keen to hear different perspectives! :) And if this newsletter resonates with you, feel free to pass it on to someone who might need that little reminder to keep showing up.

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