Consistency

What is the difference between failure and success? Consistency! Do you want to go places in life? You need to practice the virtue of consistency. Why was Larry Bird one of the greatest shoots in the history of the NBA? Larry Bird would shoot 500‑1,000 shoots a day every day even in the winter. The only way to improve at something is to do it until you get it right. Being a Christian is no different. You need to practice your faith every day. One word can help you develop a life of consistency, discipline.

Discipline is the act of being responsible on a regular basis. Everyone of us will be faced with responsibilities that others will entrust to us. The difference between a successful person and failure is not talent or ability but consistency. Your avenue to consistency is discipline. How do you acquire a disciplined lifestyle? First, you want to train the brain. The brain is a wonderful instrument that helps us develop habits. You must pick a time to begin your day and stick with it. Train your brain to wake up at a certain time, so you can get the most out of your day (Ps. 139:23; Prov. 12:5).

Next, you want to maintain your frame. The framework of your routine is very important. The framework of your day is as important as your work schedule within that framework. For example: I have a daily work CD that helps me focus on certain tasks that need to be completed every day. I try very hard not to let my work schedule get out of the framework of the day. When spontaneous things happen that are not apart of your framework, you must fit them in without throwing away the important daily tasks that need to be accomplished (1 Cor. 14:40; Col. 2:5).

Lastly, you must drain the blame. Get rid of all your excuses why you are not consistent. The only person that is hindered by your excuse making is you. Throw all your blame down the drain. The Lord can help you to make priorities and keep them. It’s not enough to say, I would have done this but something else came up. When something important comes up that makes me alter my schedule, I give up a luxury not a necessity. The only time I eat lunch at noon is when I have a lunch date. You have to learn that some things are more important then others if you will achieve a life of consistency (1 Cor. 15:31).

Word for Today

Precedence ‑ The fact, state, or right of preceding; priority: Applications arriving first will receive precedence.

Quote for Today

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self‑Reliance, US essayist & poet (1803 ‑ 1882)