Consistency vs. Intensity
If you want to achieve a goal that is very difficult and requires a lot of effort, there are two ways you might go about it. One is consistency and the other is to go after it with intensity.
Let’s use an example of a marathon race approached with intensity. Better yet, an ultramarathon (races 50-100+ miles). I might decide to sign up for such a race. I am super motivated and psyched to complete the race. I decide that I am going to run 20 miles every day and as fast as I can. Probably in less than a week, I will have a major physical injury, or my motivation will exhaust itself.
The second option is consistency. I have the same goal to finish a very difficult race. However, I go about it a different way. I do some research and discover that people that have completed such races tend to follow a consistent training algorithm. This will usually take the form of a pattern that starts with low mileage, increases gradually, and is punctuated with regular rest and recovery days. I train consistently, and then race day takes care of itself.
People sometimes ask me how do you get a black belt in a martial art. I will usually tell them to find a reputable school with a good teacher and training vibe that feels good to them. Then just attend class 3 times a week. The outcome will take care of itself if you are just steady and consistent in your training. Some people start out extremely motivated. They get all into it and train seven days a week. Pretty soon, they burn out and stop coming. Consistency leads to steady progress toward the outcome.
There is an old story about a new student at a karate school who asked his instructor how long it would take to get a black belt. The instructor answered: It might take 4-5 years on average. The student said, “What if I train five days a week?” The instructor said, “Maybe 6-7 years.” The student said what if I train every day, including weekends? How long will it take? The instructor said, “Probably 10-12 years.” The student, now puzzled, asked: “What if I dedicate myself to training and train several times a day every day? How long will it take?” The instructor replied: You will likely never achieve a black belt. The student, now very frustrated, asked why the instructor replied: “With all of your focus on the destination, you will not have any focus left for the journey.”
How do you achieve a long endeavor like a college education? It’s the same principle. You consistently attend class, complete your homework each day, study for the test, finish the course, and repeat. Consistent effort and you eventually arrive at the destination. The focus of the effort is on the day-to-day.
Part of the irony of consistency over intensity is that if I approach an endeavor with consistency, I am in a better position to make an intense effort for a short time. Consistency enables intensity.