Consistency x Time = Growth

Consistency. Then Time. Then Strategy.

I had this formula backwards for a long time. I'm one of those individuals who tends to start with a strategy in even the smallest things, and then go try to execute on it.

For work, this is the correct approach.

But it overlooks the presuppositions of work. If you run a business, or are part of one, you are very likely working a standard number of days for a standard amount of time. The convention here has been 5 days a week x 8 hour days. If you follow this or some other pattern, the chances are that you have both the "consistent" and "time" boxes checked. Strategy is very relevant in this context.

But what if you don't yet do something at all? Is having a strategy important? I'd argue, "No...kinda." The true strategy here is to keep it simple.

First, show up consistently. It's a simple system. Even if it's just one minute a day, show up. This is the first step.

The best strategy without consistency will not be realized. The best strategy, even paired with the occasional burst of feverish activity, is still unlikely to be impactful. Your inconsistency will undermine your efforts.

"But 1 minute a day is useless! It's unlikely to produce any results!"

True. Being consistent for as little as 1 minute a day is unlikely to do much for you. But it's the first step to doing something for more than 1 minute a day. It's a simple system that can then lead to a more complex one. Anyone who has done BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits program or James Clear's Atomic Habits approach will tell you as much.

Once consistency is established, then time becomes more interesting.

Consistency x Time = Growth

For those of you who are analytical, this is the formula that you can use to compare the version of yourself from yesterday to the one today. This is how you can be sure that you are improving 1% every day. Here is an example:

1% consistent x 1 minute = .01

2% consistent x 1 minute = .02 (a 100% growth over the previous day!)

Here, the time hasn't improved, but the consistency has. That doesn't feel like improvement, but it is very, very real improvement. And that's the trick. I've been using a system like this for a few months now. I'll tell you that most days don't feel any different than the day before. But my house is cleaner; I've worked out almost every day; I've read almost every day; and I've cut my drinking by nearly 80%.

"But when do I increase my time / involvement?" This is a good question, and one that I struggled with for years. I'll tackle that in future posts.

Until next time.