Beyond starting, we need patience and consistency.
Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Patience sustains our efforts when we are frustrated by the apparent lack of tangible progress.
After faithfully going to the Pilates studio for a month, our derrieres are no more bulbous, and our figures do not compare favorably with those of our veteran instructors. Despite knowing our expectations are unrealistic, we get discouraged, give up, and deny ourselves the inevitable reward of our accumulated effort.
Progress is often uneven, in fits and spurts, with periodic breakthroughs (think stock market investing). Progress may also be imperceptible. There is a reason before-and-after fitness pictures are taken six months apart: we cannot detect the gradual improvement in our physiques.
To hold impatience at bay, measure progress not by the result but by adherence to the habit. Rather than brooding over daily gym mirror selfies or scale readings, we can put a check mark on the calendar for the five days we exercised this week.
Don’t Stop
When there are no impediments other than time and toil, we will arrive at our destination if we continue moving. While it is terribly inefficient in the days of the wheel and wing, Google tells me I can visit the Empire State Building in slightly less than 24 days of continuous walking.
One of my mantras is “Keep pedaling.” As you probably know from my previous boasting, I have cycled up a categorized mountain in each of professional cycling’s three grand tours. During the ascents, I used my mantra to remind myself that I will reach the summit as long as I keep pedaling, because the mountains will eventually run out of elevation.
I met a 65-year-old woman who is a 5th-degree black belt in Karate. When I asked her about her quickness, flexibility, and movements, she responded that her accomplishment was more the result of sustained effort than any physical attribute. Yes, she developed special physical skills, but the key was sticking to the program for 14 years. She said most people have the physical capability and only need to add the ten to fifteen years of required training.
Time and effort may not guarantee success, but sustained, consistent action is often the determining factor. Edison informed us, “Genius is 2% (not 1%) inspiration and 98% perspiration.” To keep going, you may need to let go of unnecessary expectations about pace. The tortoise proved that plodding consistency is superior to the hare’s inconsistent, rapid pace.
Reverse Challenge
Try not to progress if you start and act consistently. You will either quit or exceed the plan. I am willing to put my money where my pen is. If you can prove me wrong, I will donate $1,000 to your favorite charity.1 Only someone with a maniacal desire to see me part with my money could possibly prevail.
Remember last week’s flossing story? Ideas: once per week – walk 20 minutes, reduce your screen time by 5%, pray for 5 minutes, read a book for ten minutes, or save five dollars. Within six weeks, you will extend the time or amount and/or increase the frequency (e.g., walk for 25 minutes twice per week).
Email me your proposal. We will agree on the terms, and then let the challenge begin. Since I anticipate winning every challenge, I will also provide the loser’s charity and an I-told-you-so consolation prize.
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Where do you need to add a dose of patience to your effort so that your cumulative actions can yield their inevitable bounty?
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1Limited to 100 winners. Must be a 501 (c)(3) charity. Other terms and conditions apply.
