Slow and Steady Helps Your Fate

Hey Mads! A while ago one of our fave teachers, source of inspiration, and human sunshine posted this photo on her Instagram story (Hi Julie!) and it has really impacted the way I think- for real it STICKS. WITH. ME.

The Post (or one similar… I didn’t screenshot when I first saw it):

My interpretation...

When I first saw this breakdown I was fascinated by the examples that were chosen especially for the intensity list because I was like “yeps, those totally fit.” I also realized how connected the two groups were. Obviously, the parallels were intentional to best articulate the differences between intensity and consistency, but the end results or events, I found, can be achieved best with the aid of consistency. While consistency is far more mundane it may be what is truly the key to success in an intense event. Take a marathon for example. I can say that I want to run a marathon all I want, but without consistency of a training program, commitment to the steps that it takes to actually be physically able to run a marathon, Mads you would say, “Hope you’re all talk,” and you would be right!

One step further…

I am convinced wholeheartedly that consistency is the surest way to maintain success in the event of intensity (removed from sheer luck, miracle, or divine intervention, possibly). I’ll show you what I mean through the example of writing a book. I can say that I want to write a book in 30 days, and well, you got me, maybe I can just do that out of nowhere and on a whim. The problem I see is that it will likely be a terrible book given I actually complete the story- let alone the challenge. Jumping two feet into intensity is great but it is tragically realistic that I will have embarked on the challenge only to drop off on day 5 (even with an outstanding idea). One might suppose that this is due to my weak character, my innate inability to complete a task or keep a commitment, but I reject this! I sincerely doubt that my failure of this challenge would be a direct result of some flaw of my personality (I am open to objections haha) but rather a representation of my lack of preparation (which would be achieved via consistency!).

Consistency develops habits and skills that an intense challenge/experience/etc. demands. If instead of writing a whole book in 30 days, I decided to write a few times a week I can begin a habit that will naturally help me to become a better writer, a confident writer, and a writer who understands my own personal style. Through this routine, I can see where writing fits into my life and I am prepared for how to intentionally make time for it. When I have strengthened this habit now I am more prepared to succeed at 30 days to novel challenge.

In my own life…

I have found that when I am most craving intensity, such as saying “I want to run a marathon,” “I’m starting a capsule wardrobe and getting rid of all my clothes,” or “I’m going to drop out and be a van lifer” the deeper feelings I’m craving are:

• A sense of accomplishment/achievement

• Approval from others

• A testament to my ability to succeed

• Honestly, just a good story to tell or post about

Wild, right? It gets crazier, Maddie. So in this hunger for something intense, I sense what I truly need is consistency which offers:

• Structure/routine

• Building integrity and trust in yourself

• Allows for a solid foundation *required* to succeed in certain activities (such as running a marathon as mentioned before)

When I find myself aching for intensity I ask some questions such as:

• What am I missing in my routine?

• Beyond the surface what am I truly looking for?

• Have I neglected positive habits?

• Has my routine been disrupted (by travel or stress)? If so, how can I take steps to return to normalcy?

And importantly,

• If this intense experience/challenge is something I am genuinely interested in, what steps can I begin to take? What habits for consistency can I implement in order to get there.

Being aware of these motives and asking questions has helped me to have greater empathy for myself and to not immediately jump to, “I can’t do this because I’m just not dedicated enough,” it still happens, I’ll be honest, but when it does I have a better understanding that it is unfair to make character judgments about myself when lack of habit and deeper emotions (I think) are the real culprit.

Final thoughts!

I cannot tell you how badly I want to be able to do a crow press to handstand, run a half marathon, or finish the five books I started (oops). Our culture of instant gratification only makes it more difficult to believe that a daily yoga practice, running a few times every week, or reading just a few chapters per day will get me to my goal. The route of consistency lacks the rush of emotion and drama intensity carries, but there is so much more to be gained by taking the slow and steady route!

-hp