Motivation vs. Consistency: What Matters More?
Written By Salvatore Iacona
Welcome back, warriors of growth!
We’ve all had those days where we feel unstoppable—our motivation is sky-high, and we’re ready to conquer everything in our path. But then, there are other days when we wake up with zero energy, and all we want to do is stay in bed, pushing our goals to "tomorrow." If motivation comes and goes, how do we keep moving forward? This is where consistency comes in.
The Motivation Trap
Motivation is like a spark—it ignites excitement, gets us started, and makes everything feel possible. But here’s the problem: motivation is unreliable. It fluctuates based on our emotions, energy levels, and even external circumstances. We wait for it, hoping it will return, but in reality, it’s not motivation that leads to success—it’s discipline and consistency.
Why Consistency Wins
Consistency is what turns dreams into reality. It's about showing up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Whether it’s working out, reading, practicing a skill, or building a business, small, repeated actions lead to massive growth.
Take an athlete, for example. Do they train only when they feel motivated? No. They train even on the hardest days because they know that every session counts. Success isn’t built on occasional bursts of inspiration; it’s built on habits, routines, and showing up—no matter what.
How to Build Unstoppable Consistency
Set a Non-Negotiable Routine – Treat your habits like appointments. Show up for yourself the way you would for work or a friend.
Start Small, Then Scale – Don’t aim for perfection from day one. Start with five minutes a day, then build up. Small progress is still progress.
Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome – Fall in love with the journey. Instead of thinking, "I want to lose 10kg," think, "I want to be the type of person who moves my body daily."
Make It Automatic – Create habits that don’t rely on willpower. If you want to read more, place a book on your pillow. If you want to eat healthier, prep your meals in advance. Set yourself up for success.
Final Thoughts
Motivation will help you start, but consistency will keep you going. The real question isn’t "What matters more?"—it’s "How can I use both to my advantage?" Use motivation to spark action, and then rely on consistency to carry you forward.
So, what’s one small action you can commit to today? Start now, and in a few months, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come. The choice is yours.