Daily Consistency: The Ultimate Secret of True Champions

“Small disciplines repeated with consistency every day lead to great achievements gained slowly over time.”—John C. Maxwell

In their powerful book, “The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extra-Ordinary Results,” Gary Keller and Jay Papasan debunk the myths that are held by many people regarding productivity and success, while confirming what it really takes to be a true champion in any field of activity. 

The book contains a lot of good ideas and I will be referring to some of them in my subsequent articles. Meanwhile, today, you are about to learn just one of those simple but powerful tips on performance for success and mastery.

In a chapter, the authors wrote about a rookie’s meeting with a professional in the game of fun and laughter: Brad Isaac and Jerry Seinfeld respectively. Brad approached Jerry Seinfeld for guidance on how to perform better. And Seinfeld cheerfully answered the newbie as follows:

He said that to be a good joker, one must create good jokes and to create good jokes, one must make it a daily practice: one must think and write it out, every day.

Based on that insight, Seinfeld advised Brad to get a single page annual calendar for recording his daily commitments. And each day that he does his job of writing jokes, he should mark the day’s date on the calendar with the letter X for the day’s time logged.

In Jerry’s exact words, he concluded his advice thus:

“After a few days, you will have a chain (under your belt). Just keep at it and the chain will grow longer every day. Your only job is: don’t break the chain.”

The last sentence illustrates the royal skill of the advisor: “Your ONLY job is: don’t break the chain.” 

In other words, he must commit to the process wholeheartedly. He must accept that he doesn’t get to have a day off—ever; (except for family crises and critical illness) not even on weekend, not even on the day he is tired, not even on the day he doesn’t feel like working.

As you can see, the main thing here is unremitting consistency. It is not necessarily about the intensity of a practice and not necessarily about the quality of the day’s input. It is primarily about constancy of purpose; it is about stick-ability. 

For this reason, moderation is implied. So the task should be pint-sized but tangible enough to produce the result you want in the long-run.  This is why the author of the “The Secret of the Ages,” Robert Collier said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in day out.”

Here in lies the real secret of what it takes to be a true champion, whether as a comic, an entrepreneur, an athlete or a scholar. It is about, “discipline and consistency,” adds Denzel Washington, the American Golden Globe award winner. 

This is the key differentiator between amateurs and professionals in all walks of life.  As champions are simply those who adhere to a repeatable process on a daily basis whereas amateurs are those who work in huge bursts of intensity only when they feel like working. 

Amateurs can get easily sidetracked for many days in a row just because of a minor sad event or because they are not just in the mood. But champions never forget the rule of not breaking the chain on their “One Thing,” no matter how difficult the day is for them or how uninspired they feel or how bad their work is on a particular day. True champions always put in the work, even on their worst days; even if their input is lousy, they show-up nonetheless, and try to perform better the very next day.

And for us too, in our critical challenges, if we decide to apply this principle by deciding not to break the chain and adhere to the process of striving daily towards our big goals, the outcomes we cherish are soon to become sure realities. 

Finally, winning rarely requires monumental surges of inputs and a grand act of bravery.  But it sure requires the discipline to do the essentials things, one step at a time—one day at a time. And the Canadian writer and motivational speaker, Robin Sharma concludes it beautifully for us by saying: “Success is all about consistency around the fundamentals; at the heart of mastery lives consistency.” 

So, if you decide to never break the chain of getting better at the basics of your craft—on a daily basis—then the extra-ordinary results of your dreams will inevitably approach you.

Rosa Parks: A Role Model for the Courage to Dare

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.”— W. Clement Stone

A role model of courage and personage of civil rights movement in the United States, the nimble Rosa Parks had a relatively humble beginning. She was one who couldn’t obtain a common high school diploma, until after the age of twenty, due to some straining situations in her family. Merely based on her early modest circumstances, it would be easy for any snob to disregard her.

Yet with her courage to challenge the status quo, she was one who not only became the catalyst of a great change in her country but also a heroine of civil liberties to many people across the globe. At a critical point during her days, she decided to assert herself mentally by physically refusing to move when she was unfairly commanded to do so. And the Law was on the side of the aggressor.

Rosa knew what she was getting into; she was risking arrest, her reputation and possibly incarceration. The young lady was risking a lot, all alone. Not many of us would be willing to risk even one of these real treats to our comfort zone on any given day. Think about it. 

She reveals the secret of her personal power to us now in the following words: “I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

With a clarity of purpose and moral fortitude, her momentous decision set on fire a chain of reactions that eventually compelled the United States Supreme Court to declare bus segregation illegal and unconstitutional. She undoubtedly demonstrated the power of courage; it redefined race relations in America till today. 

After this revolutionary victory, Rosa Parks committed herself to educating the youths on the importance of freedom and the courage to unleash their potential in all situations.

Now, let’s see what we can all learn from this heroine in our day-to-day living.

Imitate Rosa Parks; Choose to Dare

In the midst of suppressive and oppressive environment, Rosa chose to stand up for herself. Even though it might seem that her effort was analogous to throwing an egg against a mountain; even though it appeared she was fighting a war she could never win. Yes, it seemed she was making an attempt at futility, yet she chose to try anyway.  As a result, she became a beacon of courage and fairness for millions of people all over the world.

For us too, if we are to make a breakthrough in any sphere of life, we must learn from Rosa Parks by choosing to dare when it is easier not to. We must bet on ourselves against the suppressive forces of a pessimistic society. We must learn to assert ourselves, when we have no supporters; step out in front, when naysayers mock; head towards a vision of justice, when the opposing pressure is huge. 

We must push forward for a worthy cause, exactly at those moments, when we face severe censure and condemnation, remembering the timeless insight of the American inspirational author, Dr. Orison Swett Marden which affirms that: “There can be no failure to a man who has not lost his courage, his character, his self respect, or his self-confidence.” And Marden concludes that, if he can retain his courage, no matter what happens, “He is still a king.” This is because he has taken complete charge of the kingdom of his mind. 

Finally, if you want to be a difference maker in your own world, imitate the heroine: choose to dare.

The Key to Finding True Fulfillment in Your Career and Business

 “Make your passion and your work, one and the same.”—Ray Dalio

Last week, I read an interesting book by the professional speaker, Todd Duncan. It is entitled, “The Power to be Your Best.” In many ways, Todd nudges us to be just that: our very best. One good thing, out of the many fine pieces of the book is the focus of today’s article: making your passion and your work, one and the same—loving what you do.

Todd narrated his presence in a seminar that was led by the sales guru, Tom Hopkins—a long time ago. On that day, he said he received the counsel that not only, instantly changed the direction of his career but the rest of his life. 

What is this golden advice? I am assuming you can’t wait to know. Keep reading friend, that’s a job that I must deliver for you, right here, right now.

In a hall filled with enthusiastic listeners, Hopkins imparted:  “There are not many things you need to get the life you deserve. In fact, every one of you in this room possesses the ingredients for success. But more than any other one thing, you MUST love what you do.”

Loving What You Do

While Hopkins’ last sentence might appear a little didactic to some people, if you pause to think deeply about it, you will realize the truth embedded in his words. Arguably, it is hardly fulfilling for anyone to spend a huge portion of a very limited life span, doing what he or she doesn’t really enjoy. 

Tell me, what is worth pursuing if it is devoid of deep emotional satisfaction that naturally accompanies any labour of love?  For you to answer this question, first consider the following words from the co-founder of Apple Inc., Steve Jobs. He contends: “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. ” With this, I think I can guess your answer right.

Unifying Your Work and Passion

As simple as that “unity” may sound, it is no easy thing. Many seekers couldn’t get it. A lot of people have died with their music still buried deep within them. They merely managed to earn a living, neither enjoying what they did nor did what they really enjoyed. They failed to live out their heart desires: their true dreams. 

Why so?  You may wonder. Because finding what you like to do is one thing but learning to do it really well for it to become a unique business is another thing entirely. And that’s the exact challenge the American billionaire investor, Ray Dalio throws to me and you know now: to make our passion and our work, one and the same.

One approach to address such a difficult challenge is by asking yourself a key question like this:

“What am I really passionate about that can significantly benefit the society?”

Or, put it another way…

“Can my dominant passion be channeled to solve a specific problem around me?”

In many cases, if we think deeply enough, and are willing to do the necessary work to make something happen, there is almost always a practical answer to that powerful question. 

For us, the huge responsibility here is to cultivate a useful skill—with our dominant passion—that is highly valued by others. And to achieve such a feat is to realize the rare joy of living a dream which many only hope to achieve. By making a business out of doing what you love, you naturally love what you do. Your passion and work become a unified one, at the same “molecular” level. 

Finally, whether you succeed at this feat sooner or later, you must keep the words of a jazz superstar, Ella Fitzgerald on top of your mind in your quest to finding fulfillment and joy in your business and career. She said: “Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong.”

Not surprisingly, Bill Gates thinks quite the same; to find fulfillment and joy in your work, just be true to yourself and follow your heart.

Resolve to Make Something Happen

“If we all did the things we are really capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.”—Thomas Edison

Today, I am glad to tell you that I have published my first book. It is entitled:

“RESOLVE TO RISE: By Learning from Dynamos Who Took Full Possession of Their Own Minds.” For now, it is exclusively available for sale on Amazon.com:

https://www.amazon.com/RESOLVE-RISE-Learning-Dynamos-Possession-ebook/dp/B07BVPTJLM/

Below is an excerpt from the book:

“Resolve to Rise” is a call to prominence and meaning. It is a prod for us to overcome the hurdles on our paths to fulfillment—whether tangible or emotional—no matter what. Inspired by the veracity of the German philosopher, Johann Gottlieb Fichte’s thought when he asserted that, “He who is firm in will molds the world to himself.” The author is thereby urging his readers to become such a person—here and now.

Resolve is essential to greatness. It is the art of taking complete possession of the mind by utilizing its powers, unremittingly, for the realization of any and all dreams. The art here is defined by Oxford dictionary as a skill that can be attained through study, practice or observation. Consequently, I believe everyone can resolve for excellence and purpose; as a weak muscle can be made strong through training and exertion; likewise, an ordinary person can become extra-ordinary via learning and application. Simply, the urge for all to do so, is the major purpose in writing this book. 

To resolve genuinely denotes making a firm decision to realize a vision; being determined to do something, solve a difficulty, or overcome a challenge, no matter what it takes; however long it takes. Resolve is the fixed condition of the mind where one is absolutely determined not to quit until one discovers precisely what one seeks. Though this may appear too hard for a common person to achieve, the amazing life stories in this book are a proof that, it can be done—by anyone. Within the book are narratives of sheer mortals who decided to take full possession of their own minds, and because of this, they were able to muster seemingly super-human spirit to do and be what the majority of people thought was impossible.

Now, this work is intended to awaken the same vital force in the life of an average person today and forever. To goad us to resolve for the best, even in the face of the most intractable of circumstances, when it may seem we have no other choice than to surrender our will to the dictates of apparently overwhelming conditions.

Undoubtedly, if we can make our will defy circumstances, we can always rise above them. On one hand, if we arouse our decisive spirit and firm resolve, nothing will be practically impossible for us. On the other hand, if we fail to achieve anything whatsoever, we must positively accept that our resolve to succeed was plainly not tough enough. To resolve to rise is to become invincible; and it means when we lose, we must never lose the lesson; it means at every reverse, we must begin resolutely again and again. And by so doing, all setbacks will fortify us to reach the summit of our quests in the end.

Whether we call it persistence, perseverance, tenacity or grit and any other word we may choose, the main thing is, at the core, the essence of all of them is: fixity, firmness of character, the rigid verve of a single-minded vision. It is that forceful state of mind definitely fixed on a purpose, and will never leave any room for neither vacillation, nor wavering in the face of challenges, difficulties and predicaments—or even insidious ease.

Furthermore, gutless resolve that may permit voluntary surrender when the going gets really overwhelming is far from the point—as in the case of Dr. Samuel Langley. This book is about that resolute firmness, which will never, ever give up on the pursuit of its keenest vision, no matter the severity of the odds. This is what genuine resolve really means, and it is what an American multi-billionaire, the co-founder of Amway, Richard Marvin DeVos Sr. was explaining when he stated: “If I had to select one quality, one personal characteristic that I regard as being most highly correlated with success, whatever the field, I would pick the trait of persistence, determination. The will to endure to the end, to get knocked down seventy times and get up off the floor saying, ”Here comes number seventy-one!”

With this deeper awareness on the meaning of resolve, I hope you have choose to make a decision to make something big happen for yourself and the world—right away.

Yours Truly!

Shittu Abolore

PS: Hey! Please, don’t forget to check out my book on Amazon.com. And after reading it, I humbly ask that you make the time to rate the book and write a review to boost promotion and sales. Thanks.