Embracing Inconsistency: A Path to Growth and Success

By: Michael Beiter

Hey there! I’ve been studying a lot lately and wanted to share this take on consistency I found refreshing.

Let’s dive into a topic that might initially sound counterintuitive: inconsistency. We’re often told that consistency is key to success, and while that's true in many respects, embracing inconsistency can also be a powerful catalyst for growth and positive change in our lives.

Embracing Change:

Change is inevitable, yet it’s often met with resistance. We love consistency because it provides stability and predictability in our lives. But to grow, we must also be willing to embrace inconsistency—to challenge our existing beliefs, behaviors, and identities.

Think about it: You weren’t always the gym enthusiast or the healthy eater you are today. You had to challenge your previous habits and beliefs to become the person you are now. Change requires us to take actions that contradict our past behaviors and sometimes even challenge societal expectations and our own identities.

Goals and Inconsistency:

Setting new goals often requires us to be inconsistent with our past selves. Whether it’s adopting a healthier lifestyle, prioritizing self-care, or pursuing a new career path, our goals may clash with our existing identities and values.

For instance, improving your fitness might mean sacrificing some leisure time or challenging the belief that you're not a "gym person." Similarly, prioritizing sleep might conflict with the identity of being a "night owl" or a "workaholic."

Linking Goals to Identity:

To overcome these internal conflicts, strategically aligning our goals with our identities and values is essential. Instead of viewing our goals as competing commitments, we can find ways to make them collaborate.

Just like the concept of the "get along" shirt in parenting, where two conflicting parties must find a way to coexist, our goals and identities can learn to get along too. It’s about finding creative solutions and reframing our beliefs to see how our goals can actually complement our identities.

Finding Harmony:

For example, if you believe that going to bed early makes you a "bad partner" because you’re not spending time with your significant other, consider how adequate sleep can improve your mood and make you a more pleasant partner to be around.

Similarly, if reducing your workload conflicts with your identity as an over-achiever, recognize that working smarter, not harder, can lead to better results and improved well-being.

Conclusion:

Inconsistency isn’t something to be feared; it’s a natural part of growth. We open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences by challenging our existing beliefs and behaviors. So, let’s embrace inconsistency as a tool for personal growth and success.

Here’s to embracing inconsistency,

Coach Mike