“Dripping water hollows out stone, not through force but through persistence” – Ovid
Consistent performance is often more enduring and impactful than sporadic and intense bursts of effort. Compounding effect leads to exponential growth that surpasses sporadic bursts of intense effort.
Every individual wishes to accomplish their dreams. I, too, decided to step out of my comfort zone in public speaking and attended many self-development workshops to attain perfection. Despite my sincere efforts after the workshops, I found myself struggling to see impressive improvements in my communication skills. It dawned on me that continuous learning is essential to improve any skill, and it requires a platform to exhibit our progress. Another truth I came to realize is that consistency and sustainability lie in having a goal that inspires us every time. Perhaps the most important truth I learned is that perfection is an illusion, and clinging to this idea can hinder our achievements.
Therefore, in September 2019, I joined a Toastmasters club to enhance my communication and public speaking skills. Although I began imperfectly, I remained consistent in my efforts, seizing every opportunity available. I ensured to undertake at least one role in every meeting, delivered speeches, and assumed committee responsibilities, which provided me with more stage time to speak. Through this sustained effort, I noticed significant changes, resulting in impressive improvements.
When we consistently engage in an activity, new neural pathways are formed in our brains. These pathways strengthen with repetition, and the behavior becomes second nature. For instance, complex behaviors such as reading, driving, singing, and exercising become automatic as neural pathways develop. It’s essential to recognize that practice leads to automation and eventually forms habits.
If we strive for perfection instead of prioritizing consistency, we are essentially living in a world masked by the fear of failure. Consistency, not perfection, is the true key to success. What we do daily, even if imperfectly, yields far greater results than sporadic perfection. Consistent performance is enduring, and consistent action produces reliable results.
Thanks
