Most of today’s gurus and influencers will tell you that to be successful, it is better to be consistent than to wait for inspiration. This perspective emphasizes the power of consistent effort over waiting for the muse to strike. They advocate for a disciplined, routine driven approach.
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.” Stephen King
In general, we agree. However, we believe the question, “Which is better: consistency or inspiration?” presents a false dichotomy. It’s not a matter of choosing one over the other; both are integral to the journey of success.
Consistency is the bedrock of progress. It involves setting habits and routines, ensuring that you're continually working towards your goals. This is where tools like the Brain/Shift Journals come in, helping you to maintain daily focus on your objectives.
Why Consistency Matters:
- Builds Momentum: Regular action, however small, accumulates over time leading to significant progress.
- Develops Discipline: Sticking to a routine cultivates discipline and a sense of progress, an invaluable trait for any endeavor.
- Reduces Reliance on Motivation: Consistency means you work regardless of your motivation levels, making progress inevitable.
The Power of Inspiration:
On the other side of the spectrum is inspiration – those moments of sudden clarity, creativity, and insight. Inspiration is often viewed as a sporadic and elusive force, but it plays a crucial role in propelling us forward in unique and innovative ways.
Embracing Inspiration:
- Fosters Creativity: Inspiration often leads to innovative ideas and solutions.
- Boosts Engagement: Being inspired increases your enthusiasm and energy for your tasks.
- Provides Direction: Sometimes, a moment of inspiration can provide a clear direction in your journey.
Harmonizing Consistency and Inspiration:
The key to harnessing the power of both consistency and inspiration lies in understanding how they complement each other. You can be consistent in your habits and routines, ensuring that you are working on your goal or task every day (which the Brain/Shift Journals can help you with), but also be open and fostering moments of inspiration. In fact, this is a key aspect of the consistency focus. When we are working on our goal, however small that work is, we are priming our brains to focus on it.