To some degree we are all creatures of habit. Typically, when we awake, we do the same thing each morning. Me? I always wake up first, pop right up, make my way to the kitchen, grab a glass of water and make a pot of coffee. When my husband wakes, he and the dog (who waits to get up until the last human is outta bed) come walking down the hallway. Our dog always greets me first – basically because the dog wakes up perkier, and then hubby comes to give me a kiss.
That consistency develops security.
In fact, consistency is a powerful tool. It’s the foundation of habits – both good and bad.
Think about it. Positive consistency is the building block for so many important elements of success. It requires integrity, honesty, respect and a loyalty that can others can take to the bank.
Positive Consistency…
In a relationship – It builds trust, security, and establishes a trustworthy reputation
In a business – It builds credibility
The beautiful union between consistency in words, and consistency in actions, results in integrity.
There’s no question – we all love excellence and work performed beyond expectations. But even a middle-of-the-row worker who is consistent, and does his job well, is considered more valuable to an organization than an employee who is brilliant and unreliable. Consistency is crucial. And, it helps to build momentum, which is a vital element for achieving goals.
Years ago, I heard about a simple practice that Jerry Seinfeld attributed to his success. He developed a habit of writing consistently every day by using a paper calendar to build momentum. Each day when Jerry wrote, he would place a big “X” across the day’s box. After a short time, he noticed that he was literally building a chain of X’s and he set his mind to not break the chain. This consistency resulted in a habit that Jerry credits as an integral part of his success.
Below is a 100-day chart that you, too can use to track your consistency towards a goal. Your goal might be writing, exercising, quiet time or something even simpler (but important to you) like writing down your food or encouraging a spouse. Use it as you will! In a way in which it helps you.
Click here for the printable: Keep The Chain Going
Recently, my little world has been turned upside down by a family illness. Schedules changed, plans are cancelled and emotions are running patterns crazier than a football team! Consistency is “out the window” and life has established a “new normal.” Did you notice when life changes drastically we call it a “new normal?” It’s because we crave consistency. We want to know what we can expect.
Thankfully, we have a God that offers consistency. He never changes. And when life throws us a curve-ball we can have consistency in who God is. He is good. He is kind. He is loving. He is patient. He never changes. We can count on that!
I love that Hebrews 13:8 reminds me that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
And consistency brings peace. And comfort. When life is topsy turvy, Jesus is not. He is right there beside me and you. He cares deeply.
So, I’d like to challenge you to print the 100-day chart and practice being consistent. If you break the chain of “X’s” don’t fret – you’re not being graded! You’re developing a pattern. So much of life is about the journey – not the destination.
Keep your eye on the ball and develop consistency. Before you know it – you will build momentum and be well on your way to your goal!
Be blessed my friend!
I’d love for my blogger friends to linkup your posts!! Be sure to Mix & Mingle! That’s what this is about!! Linkup below…
Donna Reidland says
Char, I love that simple printable! You’re so right, consistency and building good habits is so vital. Thanks for sharing and hosting! I’m pinning this one.
Becky Hastings says
What a great illustration for this idea of building consistency in writing and life! I think Jon Acuff uses something similar (but I’ve never read his books). It’s amazing what developing patterns can do.
As for the “new normal.” I have been there too! Even something simple like a few snow days in a row can throw my week off! Something as serious as an illness can certainly leave us floundering. Finding our new normal can make such a difference.
And for those times when I haven’t found a new normal, when the circumstances won’t allow it, I always find God has taught me to draw close to Him. And He always does.
Char says
It’s true!!! We live in south Florida and having a few wintry days in a row – we love it! – but everyone seems ready for the 82 degree forecast on Saturday!
Debbie Williams says
Love your examples. Love the printable.
I’m experiencing a little topsy turvy right now myself with tests, and praying they are over today with no hiccups. I laugh sometimes at my husband’s consistency in the morning and now I’m laughing because, I too do it. Jump up, wash my face, run a brush thru my hair, run to the kitchen and make coffee and work on something for breakfast.
Char says
It is really interesting that we create that consistency without even thinking about it. Praying for your tests Debbie…. xo
Anita Ojeda says
Im so sorry your family is going through a tough spot. I know all too well how caregiving and I’ll ess can wreak havoc on one’s life 🙁. Thank you for the encouragement to stay consist!
Michele Morin says
It sounds as if we are getting the same message for 2018 — keep showing up! Stay on track!
Blessings to you as you strive for consistency. I’m with you on this!
Char says
Yep! And keep my eyes on He who is consistent!!
Jamie@TheMomGene says
Char, I hope everyone is on the mend! You were speaking to my heart today. I love consistency. I think I love it to a fault. I am a creature of habit, which makes me less inclined to listen to God when He calls me out of my comfort zone (which is probably why He does in regularly). If I made a calendar, the goal would be to fill it with Xs on days I broke from routine!
Char says
That’s clever Jamie! To use the calendar to mark your flexibility. That reminds me of when my first son was little, I had him on a very precise routine. Naps 10 & 2, bedtime 7:30, etc. When I found out I was pregnant with my second son, I prayed for two things: That he would have my husband’s beautiful eyes, and that he would be flexible. I had had it with the rigid routine!! God graciously answered both prayer requests positively!
Debbie Putman says
The graphic is a great tool. Thank you! Praying your family is better soon.
Meghan Weyerbacher says
Char this is such great wisdom. I love “But even a middle-of-the-row worker who is consistent, and does his job well, is considered more valuable to an organization than an employee who is brilliant and unreliable.”
Praying for you all during this season of change. We are going through this too. Blessings!
Char says
Thanks for your prayers Meghan – I’ll add your family to mine!
sue says
I like to know what to expect because I like control. On the other hand, I love living in expectancy of the surprises God has in store. For me. (: Great writing, Char. Are you planning a book/booklet/ebook/devotional? Just wondering.
Char says
Hi Sue, I have a zillion ideas on devos, books, mini books!
Kathryn Griffin says
Great post, Char! And, thanks for hosting! Have a lovely week ahead. Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting. I linked my mom’s tuna noodle casserole recipe, a mac and cheese even an adult can love, and a healthy dump and go soup.. I hope you enjoy them! Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Lureta says
I like consistency mostly because I hate any kind of change. But what i truly live aboyt your post is the message that when life changes, we have consistency in who God is!! That nugget of truth brings comfort and security to my heart. Thanks for the reminder.
Char says
Change does tend t to rattle our feathers! Thanks for stopping by Lureta.
SUSAN SHIPE says
Char, where in South FL? I’m from WPB – lived there 30 years! Thanks for the linkup. Now that I found it I plan to be a regular.
Char says
Thanks for linking up Susan. You’re in West Palm Beach??! We have to get together!
Patrick Weseman says
Hope everybody gets better in your house.
This so very true. It is something that we need and crave. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Maree Dee says
Char, I love the printable. I am going to use it to write every day. I will start tomorrow. Haha just kidding I will start today.
I am sorry for your “new normal.” I am so familiar with having to carve out a new normal over and over again. In fact sometimes my old normal is hard to give up even when Its challenging and painful.
Praying for you!
Loved this:
“Positive Consistency…
In a relationship – It builds trust, security, and establishes a trustworthy reputation
In a business – It builds credibility”
Maree
Char says
Thanks Maree Dee. It’s so encouraging to see those Xs build up on my chart! I’d love to hear how it goes for you!
Stephanie ReadsWell says
The secret is to make balance between writing and life. And after that, the next thing would be to be consistent. Such a nice illustration!, easy-to-understand!