Motivation vs. Consistency

When it comes to writing, consistency is far better than motivation. Consistent writing can increase your writing skills dramatically. Similarly, people who learn new skills regularly improve their skills faster than those who learn them occasionally. 

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Discipline trumps motivation

Motivation is important, but it’s not sufficient by itself. If you want to get things done, you need discipline. Motivation ignites the fire, but it can’t keep it burning. You need discipline to sustain the fire. Motivation isn’t enough if you don’t do the following: clean the toilet, wash the clothes, skip the $6 coffee.

Without discipline, you’ll never accomplish your goals. Motivation will only get you to the door on the best of days – but it will disappear when you’re having a bad day. Discipline will push you when you don’t feel like it. Discipline is a skill you must earn.

It’s all about choice

There are two basic positions on the motivation versus consistency scale. The first position is the motive-neutral position, which is a middle ground. The middle position includes individuals who prefer consistency and individuals who prefer motivation. While motivation tends to extend in both directions, individuals who prefer consistency often reject motivation, especially when it’s made explicitly salient.

Consistency means committing to a task for the long-term without distraction. It means being committed and focused, and it also implies being responsible for your actions. However, you can only become consistent if you’re willing to make the commitment and make the necessary changes. However, to improve your consistency, it is imperative to begin with small steps.

It’s all about results

If you want to reach your goals, the main difference between consistency and motivation is results. In most cases, consistency will produce better results. For example, writing on a daily basis will lead to vast improvements over time, while occasionally practicing a new skill will yield minimal results. Consistency in action also yields faster results than motivation alone. However, it’s not always easy to maintain motivation over a long period of time.

While staying consistent may seem straightforward, most of us struggle with this habit. Distractions make it hard to remain focused, disciplined, and persistent. The result is that we don’t see the point in continuing our efforts for the long term. This is why consistency is so important: the more we do something, the more we become accustomed to it.

Consistency builds confidence and motivates us to pursue our goals. It also helps us to reduce our processing time. For example, if you want to improve your skills, start with the easiest level you can do, and stick with it for several days. As you gain confidence, you can start tuning in your ability axis and making harder levels.

Consistency is the foundation of success. When we do small things consistently over time, we will see a big difference in the results we obtain. Consistency makes it easier to start a new project or continue with a challenge, and it builds confidence. Though consistency is difficult, it’s well worth the effort.

Consistency is a habit. It’s not about good luck or natural talent. Consistency leads to better results and is difficult to break. Whether you’re talented, educated, or lucky, you must be consistent to see results. Consistency will give you the momentum you need to achieve your goals.

It’s all about appreciation

Creating an atmosphere of appreciation for your employees is a simple but crucial way to motivate them. Employees appreciate being valued not just for what they do, but for who they are as individuals. By recognizing their hard work and dedication, you are communicating that you value their perspective and contribution to the company. It also creates a sense of belonging among employees.

Research has shown that recognition plays a huge role in motivation. In fact, it is believed that up to 67% of employed Americans would put more effort into their work if they were recognized more frequently. However, different people are motivated by different things. Think about your love language before deciding what to do.

It’s all about rewards

Rewarding yourself for achieving a goal is one of the best ways to stay motivated. This works because it acts as positive reinforcement and gives you extra incentive to continue your good behavior. Rewarding yourself can be anything from a new piece of workout gear to a fun day with your kids.

Some people find it difficult to achieve consistency because they are accustomed to immediate gratification. However, building a habit is a gradual process that evolves over time. It takes months or even years to build a habit, so it is important to recognize that there are no quick fixes.

Our Top FAQ's

Motivation and consistency are both important for achieving goals and maintaining progress, but they serve slightly different purposes. Motivation refers to the drive or desire to do something, while consistency refers to the practice of doing something regularly and consistently over time. Motivation can be a powerful force that helps to initiate and sustain action towards a goal, but it can also be variable and fluctuate depending on factors such as emotion, stress, and external influences. Consistency, on the other hand, involves consistently applying effort and sticking to a plan or routine, even when motivation is low or absent. This can help to build momentum and create long-term progress towards a goal.

Yes, motivation and consistency can coexist and support each other in the pursuit of a goal. Having a strong sense of motivation can help to increase consistency, as it can provide the energy and drive needed to maintain focus and effort over time. On the other hand, consistency can also help to increase motivation, as seeing progress and achieving small wins can boost confidence and inspire further effort.

An individual’s level of motivation can significantly impact their ability to be consistent in their actions and habits. When an individual is highly motivated, they are more likely to be consistent in their efforts and to persevere in the face of challenges and setbacks. Conversely, a lack of motivation can lead to inconsistency and a lack of follow-through on goals and plans.

Maintaining consistency in the absence of motivation or when facing challenges and setbacks can be difficult, but it is possible. One strategy is to focus on the benefits and rewards of achieving the goal, rather than the short-term discomfort or effort required to get there. It can also be helpful to enlist the support of others, such as a coach, mentor, or accountability partner, to help keep you on track and motivated.

There are several ways in which an individual can increase their motivation and consistency in order to achieve their goals more effectively:

  • Set clear, specific, and achievable goals, and break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This can help to increase motivation by providing a sense of direction and purpose, and by making progress more tangible and achievable.

  • Use positive self-talk and visualization techniques to stay motivated and focused on your goals.

  • Find ways to make the process of working towards your goals more enjoyable and rewarding. This can include finding activities that are intrinsically rewarding, setting small wins and rewards along the way, and enlisting the support of others.

  • Identify and address any obstacles or barriers that may be hindering your progress or motivation, and develop strategies to overcome them.

  • Establish consistent routines and habits, and make them a priority. Consistency can be easier to maintain when it becomes a habit, rather than a conscious effort.