Consistency has long been celebrated as the cornerstone of personal growth and success. We hear it everywhere: “Consistency is key.” I’ve said that myself!
But what if the relentless pursuit of consistency is setting us up for disappointment, failure, and even self-loathing? What if there’s a better way to approach our goals – one that invites compassion and resilience instead of self-criticism?
Personally, I’ve had a long-standing tendency towards self-criticism and self-loathing when I’ve dropped the ball or fallen off the consistency wagon. And I’m sharing this because I know I’m not alone! So for anyone who reads this and relates – this is for you.
Let’s talk about persistence. Unlike consistency – which demands unwavering adherence to a plan or routine – persistence recognizes our humanity. It allows for life’s inevitable detours, missteps, and pauses.
Persistence says: Keep coming back. Keep trying, no matter how many times you falter. It helps us replace the pressure of consistency with the compassion of persistence.
The Problem With Consistency
Consistency, at its core, is about repetition. While structure and routine can be beneficial, the rigidity of “staying consistent” can often become a trap. When life throws challenges our way – a sick day, an unexpected obligation, or just sheer exhaustion – breaking the streak can feel like failure. And that sense of failure? It’s fertile ground for self-criticism. (Don’t I know!)
How often do we tell ourselves, “I ruined it, so what’s the point now?” This all-or-nothing mindset reinforces the idea that if we can’t be perfect, we might as well quit. But growth isn’t linear, and perfection is a myth.
Progress over perfection is a mantra I more recently started living by, and it’s removed so much of that societally-instilled drive to go-go-go, do-do-do, all while not messing up or dropping a ball. The “progress over perfection” approach deprograms the perfectionist mindset and replaces it with self-acceptance, realistic expectations, and improved mental health as a result.
Why Persistence Matters
Persistence shifts the focus from perfection to progress. It acknowledges that the path to any meaningful goal will be messy. There will be days when you stray, and that’s okay. What matters is that you come back.
Persistence says: Keep coming back. Keep trying, no matter how many times you falter.
This approach invites us to examine how we hold ourselves accountable. Are we setting ourselves up with rigid expectations that fuel self-criticism when we fall short? Or are we creating a space where we can pause, reassess, and move forward without judgment?
Persistence is a call for compassion. It says: “You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up when you can.” This mindset encourages resilience and reminds us that every effort counts, no matter how small.
A Mindful Approach to Accountability
Mindfulness plays a key role in shifting from consistency to persistence. Here are some ways to approach this transition:
- Release Perfectionism: Let go of the belief that success requires flawless execution. Instead, celebrate the effort you put in, no matter how imperfect.
- Reframe Setbacks: When you miss a day or veer off course, view it as an opportunity to reflect. What can you learn from this moment? How can you adapt?
- Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself as you would a dear friend. If a loved one stumbled, would you criticize them or offer encouragement?
- Focus on the Big Picture: Remember why you started. Persistence reminds us that progress is about the journey, not just the final destination.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and honor your efforts, no matter how small they may seem. Every step forward is progress, and celebrating that progress is key for maintaining a motivated mindset.
Extending the Invitation
As you move through life, I invite you to replace the rigidity of consistency with the grace of persistence. Approach your goals with curiosity and compassion. Allow yourself to stumble and to rise again. Recognize that true growth comes not from perfection, but from the willingness to keep showing up.
The “progress over perfection” approach deprograms the perfectionist mindset and replaces it with self-acceptance, realistic expectations, and improved mental health as a result.
Let’s redefine what it means to hold ourselves accountable. Let’s create a kinder, more sustainable framework for growth that honors our humanity and celebrates our resilience. Persistence isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about embracing the process and finding strength through compassion and self-acceptance.
Add your first comment to this post