The Dangers of Blind Consistency
read and listen on sahilbloom.com
read time 2 minutes
Welcome to The Curiosity Chronicle, a newsletter where I provide actionable ideas to help you build a high-performing, healthy, wealthy life.
Forwarded this email? Join 800,000+ other readers here.
Mel Robbins called my first book "a compelling call to action that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page." Get it now 50% off!
Order The 5 Types of Wealth Today!
The Dangers of Blind Consistency
I recently came across a quote I can't stop thinking about:
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds..." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
We live in a world that celebrates consistency.
You're reading a newsletter that celebrates consistency.
We're taught that success is found on the other side of consistent action. That showing up, repeating our actions, day after day, is the only surefire way to earn the things we want in life.
And there's truth in that: Consistency is indeed a powerful force for good.
But, like most things, the dose makes the poison.
Blind consistency is just as bad as inconsistency.
Blind consistency is rigid. Formulaic. Stubborn. It clings to original thoughts, mindsets, habits, and behaviors under the guise of virtue.
The consistency that was meant to free you begins to cage you.
Consider this:
You control your inputs, but you're ultimately judged for your outcomes.
Inputs that fail to produce desired outcomes should be adjusted, not repeated.
The trick is in the time horizons. In the short-term, it's perfectly reasonable for inputs and outcomes to be dislocated—meaning you won't always see a direct reward for your efforts. But in the long-term, inputs and outcomes should converge. If they don't, you may need to adjust your inputs.
I like to implement a monthly check-in ritual.
At the end of each month, ask yourself:
Are my daily inputs creating my desired outcomes?
Are there any thoughts, mindsets, habits, or behaviors that I'm clinging to that no longer serve me?
Are there any adjustments I should be making to my days?
Blind consistency is ignorance masquerading as virtue.
Consistency should be celebrated only when paired with adaptability.
Adaptive Consistency is the key that unlocks your dream life.
Show up. Adapt. Win.
