Persistence: Consistency Continued

When speaking about consistency, a natural progression can be to address persistence. There is a web of words – focus, tenacity, perseverance – that contribute to the texture of dedication. Applying each at appropriate levers can lead to incremental gains. Enough incremental gains can lead to a win.

“I could sit here and rattle off a million mistakes and errors that we need to correct, but we just kept playing. We just kept battling, just kept finding a way until we finally got the momentum and made a couple plays that were the difference in the game.” – Mario Cristobal, Head Football Coach for the University of Miami

It could be that incremental gains come from incremental actions. Even dedication can be an applied practice, fulfilled step-by-step. The goal may be to start a garden, build a business or get in shape; the method is static. The plan (or the path) is the roadmap to apply the practice of dedication.

The crux of persistence is where the decision and the practice coalesce. Making the choice to continue along the path requires willpower. The good news is that like exercising physical muscle, exerting willpower makes it both easier and more effective over time.

Practice quantifies progress along the path. For a bit more alliteration, we can note that precision is practical collateral: The endeavor to achieve the goal can increase its practical efficiency, through repetition and ingenuity. Each step is an action that paves the way. Remaining steadfast on the path is more mechanical than emotional. Allowing the plan to lead and the feet to follow will ensure forward movement toward the goal.