The power of boring things
Once, someone told me I had the gift of being reliable. I thought that was boring, but now I see its magic.
“You are an incredibly reliable person.”
This feedback didn't spark immediate enthusiasm. Reliability is a fine trait, sure. But for me? I wasn’t convinced.
My inner creative protested. Reliable doesn’t sound sexy. I’d rather be mysterious, unexpected, unpredictable.
Reliable? Toyota Tacomas are reliable. A burger and fries are reliable. Gravity is reliable. I wasn’t sure about this association.
Reliability is a trait I have under-appreciated in others. The phone call always answered. The flight booked at a moment’s notice. The consistent advice when I’m consistently doing the opposite.
I have a growing appreciation of reliability — and consistency— in myself and in others. When on the receiving end of inconsistency and non-committal behavior, my impatience will so easily surface.
Reliability and consistency can be distilled to two (two and a half) quite simple principles:
You do what you say you are going to do
You keep doing it
Even when you don’t want to
The power of reliability and consistency shine through in all areas of our lives. Emotionally, physically, spiritually – there is a power in doing things in repetition. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice.
Relationships. Relationships are the core of our being. If our relationships are going well, life is going well. A reliable social fabric of consistent support is essential.
How will I be consistent and reliable in my relationships?
Showing up for my friends when they need me and being proactive in showing love
Responding to communications in a timely manner
Not falling off the grid even when life gets full – even if that’s communicating that I am at capacity and looking forward to connecting when my current priorities are not as weighty
Exercise. Getting out the door every day for movement. A moderate workout will — over the long term — produce better results than burning yourself out infrequently.
How will I be consistent and reliable in fitness?
Getting out the door and moving every day, even if it’s just a walk outside
Following the 80-20 rule
Committing to the hard work, even when I don’t feel like it
Career / Work. Consistent, steady results win over time. You look at the Warren Buffet mentality versus Sam Bankman-Fried. Consistency produces reliable results.
How can I be consistent and reliable in my work?
Showing up 100% every day for my team – feelings aside
Not multi-tasking but giving my full attention
Committing to deadlines and meeting them
Inbox zero by EOD
Showing my team that I care by listening, asking thoughtful questions and responding as needed
Mental health. There’s a reason every podcaster and influencer won’t shut up about their morning routine. There’s magic in the mundane. Reducing the amount of decisions you need to make and narrowing in on your goals gives incredible clarity and focus.
How can I be consistent and reliable in my mental health?
Daily time for quiet, prayer and reflection
Keeping my word to myself. When I tell myself I am going to do something, I do it
Spending time alone and with God
Diet. Moderation, the oh-so-hard balance. A meticulous diet derailed by a “cheat” meal doesn’t have to spiral into a week of poor eating. Consistency in eating well, not focusing on a “perfect” diet is more attainable and produces better long term results (both emotionally and physically!).
How can I be consistent and reliable in how I fuel my body?
Eat fresh produce and proteins that aren’t sold packages most of the time
Eat ice cream, fries and Flaming Hot Cheetos sometimes
When I do, enjoy them a lot to emotionally offset how bad they are for my body (: Stress will kill you faster than a Coca-Cola.
Have a glass of wine every night and never drink to the point of a hangover (This my personal mantra on consistency with alcohol – to each their own)
So about the boring things? I can’t stay bored for long – principles and life philosophy get me excited. If you think about anything for long enough and ask a few good questions, it can become infinitely interesting.
Reliability. Consistency. Both underrated and overlooked. Perhaps a bit boring at first, but the more time you spend with them the more you see their worth.
I love your philosophy on consistency! I'm reminded of the Jerry Seinfeld chain link method. He would hang a calendar in his kitchen and draw a X after each day he wrote jokes. The point was to never break the chain. Consistency usually wins. There's also an art to bouncing back on the days when you aren't so consistent. You can design routines and make plans but shit happens as they say. Emerson said that consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds. Meaning life doesn't really care about our routines.
Liv…this is such wise advice! Knowing you, I can say that you, yourself, appear to be consistent with your thoughts and recommendation. I can also say that you’ve had good examples in both mother and father…both people of integrity and
reliability. Thanks for a good read and thoughtful communication.