Discipline vs Consistency

We’re a month into Texas Time and loving it. Early Spring is fantastic here. Vickie and I both retired several years ago and retirement is wonderful wherever we are but when we come to Texas to hang out with the grandkids life has a vacation feel that we don’t get in Colorado. The Cottage is old, so there’s constantly something to fix or repair, and while our local community endeavors are not like having a job, we stay pretty busy.

The vacation feeling that permeates the days here on The Bay disrupts my diet and exercise routine though. I spend more time grilling Texas delicacies, drinking beer, or fishing and less time lifting weights or doing aerobic exercise. Unfortunately, dancing grill side to Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley doesn’t qualify as exercise. Vickie maintains her consistency much better than I do, but she’s better at most things, except drinking beer where I have the upper hand.

“I accumulated small but consistent habits that ultimately led to results that were unimaginable when I started.” – James Clear

Honestly, I struggle with consistency at home too, but it feels more pronounced down here by the Bay. It’s a gastronomic adventure with amazing restaurants in every direction for hundreds of miles, and there are a dozen exceptional microbreweries and taprooms a stone’s throw away. When enjoying the local culture, spontaneity fits the vibe much better than consistency.

Vickie reminds me that there’s a time and a place for spontaneity, and consistency comes first; without it, you can’t afford to be spontaneous. Spontaneity works well enough I suppose, when you’re young and resilient, but resilience fades after you graduate to Elderhood. Good habits and consistency are the currency that pays the bills when you advance into your Golden Years.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle

As month two of the Galveston Bay adventure gets underway, I’m pondering the concept of consistency and its relationship to discipline as I attempt to reestablish my fitness protocol. It’s not like I traded my barbell for a barstool, I’ve averaged ten thousand steps a day but haven’t been consistent with my resistance training. It’s much easier to be consistent back home where choices are limited and spontaneity doesn’t offer much reward.

Discipline is the control of behavior, emotions, and actions to achieve a goal or outcome. It’s making the right choices while avoiding distractions, focusing on the desired result, and sacrificing what doesn’t align. Consistency is adhering to a set course of action or pattern of behavior for the long haul. Showing up every day and putting in the effort, regardless of external circumstances.

    “Discipline is your relationship with the time you have left.” ~ Barbara McNally

Discipline is about the mindset and actions required to commit to your chosen path and consistency is creating habits, routines, and practices to lock it in. Discipline is the intense effort and focus you need to overcome obstacles and challenges in the short term. Consistency is a steady, sustained draft-horse-type effort; playing the long game. I am disciplined but a little inconsistent due to my hummingbird nature. 

Vickie is disciplined and consistent. She may not be quite as disciplined as I am but she’s in another league when it comes to consistency. They are both important and folks that embrace one almost always embrace the other but of the two I think consistency is the most important. The outcome of consistency is progress and results. Showing up and putting in the effort every day builds momentum and establishes the habits that will make your Golden Years feel like a vacation.

Never Stop Exploring!