Consistency Over Perfection

Hello everyone!

I have to say that this year has started totally different than all the past ones. I’d usually be very hard on myself, setting up lots of goals and action oriented tasks. When I’d reached the obstacle, I’d just push harder and still stick to the plan. By March I’d reached a point of total exhaustion and I’d just wanted to give up. The exhaustion would put force me to take a break and then I’d repeat the whole cycle all over again.

I cannot say that I haven’t reached any goal that way, since most of the things I have created so far is a product of that kind of goal setting. Yet, I’ve started asking myself what is the point. Will I have to struggle for the rest of my life, whenever I’d want to change something? I knew that there is a better way.

Last year thought me so much and one of the best advice I got from an amazing mentor David Meltzer is: “Focus on consistency, forget about perfection!”

I’ve already got some amazing results from my consistent actions last year, but I decided to level up the game this year. Therefore, I tried a different approach for New Years resolutions. Instead of craving to see the immediate result, I choose to commit for a long term growth. I decided that I’ll slow down in January and take the time to decide where do I actually want to go. 

I committed to journalling everyday and answering the same questions all over again: 

What excites you? 
What are your core values? 
What are your unique skills? 
What meaning do you want to give to this life? 
What do you want to achieve? 
What are you willing to do for it?

I did it over and over again. Some days I got new insights, others nothing showed up. Yet, I was consistent. Every day. And every day my life was filled with more clarity. 

First day only the “obvious” answers showed up. The one that are most likely not coming from within, but are actually just my idea of what is expected to be the answer. Once I got to the deeper answers, I started to see a bigger picture. Everything clicked. I’ve gain the clarity that is so crucial for any long-term success. 

With this simple tool of “consistency over perfection”, I’ve established many daily habits that seem small and easy to do, yet when repeated daily they add up. 

I’m challenging you to consider this idea and try it out for yourself. The crucial part is that you start simple.

Choose one daily habit that you are committing to every day, no matter what. It can be as simple as 5-10 min meditation; saying out 3 things you are grateful for first thing in the morning; reading affirmations; reading a book for 20min; doing a 10min stretch; taking 30 deep breaths before sleeping; watching one inspirational youtube video per day etc. 

Choose whatever feels right. Be creative. Make this as personalized as possible. And commit to doing it daily no matter what for at least 30 days. You’ll be surprised to see how much can be done with consistency. 

And in case you feel like you are not progressing fast enough, remind yourself: Every overnight success takes about 10 years. You are doing great! Everything is unfolding in perfect order. 🙂 

If you need some more inspiration, I’m inviting you to listen to my Podcast and subscribe for more: https://tajakarner.com/podcast/

Enjoy your week and talk to you soon!

With love, 
Taja