Sometimes developing consistency is more important than quality. It’s been said, “Quality over quantity,” but when it comes to developing a habit, sometimes you’ve just got to get up and do it. Repetition and practice is what makes you better, not waiting until the right moment comes.
But then again, sometimes you do want to wait until inspiration comes. It all depends on the circumstance and this is where the paradox lies. Life is always presenting us with opportunity costs; to sleep in or go to the gym, to meditate or arrive at work early, to write a blog and keep the daily practice alive or wait until you have something really powerful to say. Alas, life is full of choices. When we make one we have to give up another, so now the question becomes how to know how to make the best choice.
I have found myself to be a walking contradiction. One day I say, “Wait until inspiration comes,” the next I say, “Just be consistent and don’t worry about perfectionism.” (And either could be taken as good advice.) But what’s most important is to know what you want before you make a choice. You have to clarify your goals to know what’s most important. Is writing everyday? Meditating? Exercising? Neither is right or wrong. You just have to make a choice so you are not vacillating back and forth all day!
Words have been my anchor throughout life; grounding me and empowering me. I read a lot and write for fun. But now with blogging, I have a goal to write consistently every day. However, that doesn’t guarantee it will be earth-shattering writing, but it does mean I will be developing the habit of writing – everyday. The opportunity costs of this choice are sleep and possibly some quality, but I have let that be okay for now, trusting that through consistency quality will come. And if not, at least one goal will have been met and I can change to a new one later on.