Consistency & Habits

"Consistency turns a virtue into a habit and habits are who we are.

Several years ago, I read Stephen Covey’s classic book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People (Simon Schuster, 1989). In it, Covey advocated a principle – based life, practiced until habit becomes character. It is not only about principles, but consistency and perseverance in practicing our principles. This process makes us who we are, and who we are speaks louder than what we do or say.

Of course consistency in doing the wrong thing brings bad results. Success and failure are both the result of consistency.

HABITS

Our habits will eventually define us. Brian Tracy called Stephen Covey “the American Socrates because he opened our minds to permanent things.” Real values and principles are permanent; consistency in those areas enable us to become mature and enduring. Consistency allows people to trust us and builds a foundation for progress and permanence."

By Charles Simpson (May 2007, www.CSMPublishing.org)