Consistency

One of the key lessons I've learned from John C Maxwell when he was in town recently is consistency.

If you think about it, isn't it true that the real leaders are those that are consistent? Its not just about doing something only when it is convenient or when we feel like it.

For instance, when Lance Armstrong was training for the Tour de France, he didn't train only if the weather is good or when he is in the mood. He trained daily and day by day push himself a little further until he was ready for the race.

Take John C Maxwell as another example. He is committed to five key actions every single day and the result of it is that he's got a book published almost every year. The five things he is committed to are; read, write, ask questions, think, and file.

So, let's see how we can put this into action.

First, ask yourself this question; "what might be the list of things that you are committed to doing every single day?"

You may start with just one single action that you are committed to doing it consistently everyday for at least 21 days. For some of us it might be praying, for others it might be setting their intentions for the day before they start their day, while some may choose to read their goals every day when they get out of bed.

Second, ask yourself what is/are the reason/s why you chose that particular action. It is usually helpful if that action will lead you closer to your goal.

Certainly we are more likely to commit to that particular action if the motivation is towards an end-in-mind that we want to work towards. For example, some of us might choose to save ten dollars a day because after a certain time the amount saved will allow us to buy something we want.

Third, and most crucial is to ask ourselves; how is this action consistent with our values and beliefs? To illustrate this point, we just need to ask ourselves; how do we tell if someone is practicing what s/he preaches? We see if that person walk-the-talk.

For instance, in our work environment, the people who have your utmost respect are those that live out their values. Also it would be really tough for one to commit to an action that is incongruent with their values. If we believe that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"; then it would really be trying for us to want to commit to looking for opportunities to develop people evryday.

That said, please take this opportunity to ask yourself; what might be an action that you will commit to doing it consistently on a daily basis that will help you move towards a goal and that that action is consistent with your values and beliefs.

Your friend,
Melvyn
(Sent from my Blackberry Bold)