“People with good intentions make promises, but people with consistency make progress.” This powerful statement encapsulates a fundamental truth about success and achievement. It’s not our intentions, no matter how noble, that ultimately lead to results – it’s our consistent actions. The business world offers us a perfect illustration of this principle.
In 2004, LEGO teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. Enter Jørgen Vig Knudstorp, the new CEO. Instead of grand promises, he chose consistent action. His back-to-basics approach, focusing on the iconic brick and streamlined operations, transformed LEGO. Knudstorp implemented rigorous financial controls, streamlined operations, and invested in improving relationships with employees and customers. These consistent, methodical actions paid off. By 2014, LEGO had surpassed Mattel to become the world’s largest toy company by revenue. This transformation wasn’t achieved through a single bold move, but through daily, focused effort.
This story illustrates a common challenge we all face: the gap between our intentions and actions. We’ve all been there – New Year’s resolutions fade by February, and business plans gather dust. This “intention-behavior gap” isn’t about insincerity; it’s about the complex path from thought to action. Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation, where your good intentions didn’t translate into consistent action?
While intentions provide initial motivation, consistent action is what truly drives progress. But how can we bridge this gap between what we intend to do and what we actually accomplish?
To bridge the intention-action gap, focus on creating systems that promote consistency:
Break big goals into tiny, daily actions. When Seinfeld wanted to become a better comedian, he didn’t just intend to write more jokes. He created a system: write one joke every day and mark it on a calendar. This “don’t break the chain” method turned intention into consistent progress.
Link new habits to existing routines. For instance, if you intend to read more, pair it with your morning coffee.
Use apps or journals to maintain accountability. This visibility helps maintain momentum.
Reward consistency, not just outcomes, to reinforce positive habits.
The power of consistency lies in its compound effect. Small, regular actions lead to significant results over time. As author James Clear notes, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” This underscores the importance of creating robust systems that encourage consistent action.
Creating effective systems is key to maintaining consistency. This might mean setting realistic, achievable goals and gradually increasing them as you build momentum. It’s about finding the right balance between challenging yourself and setting yourself up for success.
Inevitably, setbacks will occur. The key to maintaining consistency despite challenges is to view setbacks as temporary and part of the process. When Thomas Edison was working on the light bulb, he famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This mindset allowed him to maintain consistency in his efforts despite numerous setbacks.
To handle setbacks:
- Expect them: Plan for obstacles in advance.
- Learn from them: Treat each setback as a learning opportunity.
- Focus on the process: Don’t let temporary setbacks derail your consistent efforts.
While consistency is key, it’s important to acknowledge that the path to progress isn’t always smooth. Life often presents unexpected challenges and obstacles. However, these challenges don’t negate the power of consistency; rather, they highlight its importance. When faced with setbacks, it’s our consistent efforts that help us overcome them and continue moving forward. Consider adapting your approach when necessary, but don’t abandon your consistent efforts. Remember that small, regular actions compound over time, building resilience and moving you closer to your goals, step by step.
Ultimately, the journey from intention to progress isn’t about perfection but about “intentional action” – balancing thoughtful planning with steady execution. It’s about making progress, not achieving perfection. As you reflect on this, consider: Where in your life are intentions outweighing actions? Choose one intention and think about what tiny, consistent step you can take today to move it forward.
Remember, promises are easy to make, but progress takes consistency. The choice between the two is yours to make, each and every day. Will you be a person of good intentions, or will you be the one who consistently makes progress? Why not both?