I’m sure you basically know what consistency is in the ordinary sense of the word.

If you ask me to define consistency, I will take it from it’s root word ”consist”

To ”consist” means to be or exist as a part of a thing… More like many fragments joined together.

So, by joined together, we mean it is uniform

The emerging word, consistency on the other hand is also derived from consistent. Consistent here deals with the regular occurence of a thing…  Consistency then is the act of being consistent… The act of following a regular occurrence.

Now, let us take a new dimension as regards Consistency in Self Development.

Consistency includes many things in self development as I shall explain subsequently. 

Many people claim that A, B, C or D is the key to success.

What they do not understand is that success is relative and you can only define success based on what worked for you.

For some, two/three keys led them into success. For others, maybe only hardwork (as a key) led them to success. Another team could say prayer+determination + lack of procrastination….

Many other reasons like that are what people claim to be the keys to success.

I’m not disputing the fact that it is true to say all of these keys can lead to a  successful life. 

The basic thing I want to reiterate is that all of these things work hand in hand. You CANNOT use one and neglect the other.

This exactly is where consistency comes in.

Consistency deals with the habits an individual forms overtime as regards a thing (in this case, as regards personal development)

Consistency builds these habits. The habits build our actions. The actions determine our positive/negative self development.

This is because consistency can be with good habits or bad habits.

But I have tried to summarise everything else in the major category that I meant to discuss.

 HOW CAN YOU BUILD CONSISTENCY?

You cannot say you want to save #4,000 per week when your salary is #6,000. It is not moderate (except you have an alternative source of income which is steady too)

This is just a sample goal. The reason why you should use a moderate goal is so that you will not feel too bad if you default in staying consistent.

If you leave them till you are done with the simple ones, there is a tendency that you will procrastinate and shift it till when you can. That way, you will NOT be consistent.

Consistency involves doing it especially when it is though and inconvenient.

I think this is clear enough. You can use notepads, reminder apps, alarms, calendar and Google Assistant amongst others. Technology has simplified this especially for us. I use most of these a lot.

Let’s go spiritual a bit here. You want to fast. Then, Iya Risi begins to fry fresh dodo and fish stew😌

If you want to build consistency in the spirit, you will forget the temptation. 

You can ask Jesus what happened…

I know you made these goals. You have these targets. But, if you are not flexible at times, it could hinder your growth in consistency.

Now, you MUST not be this flexible in the early days of developing your consistency in something else it will ruin it.

It’s similar to getting to school everyday by 7am, then one day, you consciously come late to school… The principal may pardon you because it’s your first time (due to your consistent record) but the next time… You know…

6. Hold Yourself Accountable. Write Down Your Progress and get an accountability partner

You can join an accountability group to build consistency. I remember I once joined a WhatsApp accountability group to stop taking carbonated drinks.

It was tough😭😭

Two, three, four, five reasonable friends can make up your accountability team. It could be to save up #1,000,000 in one year (individually or collectively), to take a project, run a course, get a grade etc… Just set a goal and follow these steps to develop consistency