I get asked for advice or to speak reasonably regularly and one of the things that I get asked often is how do I find the time to write in a disciplined way. Writing was not always a priority for me, but I do have the gift of discipline, and I believe that consistency in everything you do enables credibility.
Consistency doesn’t just happen
In fact, you need to sit down and do some conscious planning. Consistency could be anything from having a follow-up plan to calling people instead of emailing them to having consistent templates to writing regularly.
Eric Holtzclaw wrote about five reasons to be consistent. He believes that consistency allows for measurement; accountability; is an opportunity to establish your reputation; ensures you stay relevant; and maintains your message, and I don’t disagree. Read the his article here.
When you are not consistent, people will not trust you
They will not want to work with you. When you are not consistent people, don’t know what to expect of you. Here are four things you can do to become consistent:
Non-negotiables
Choose the things that are not negotiable from a consistency perspective, for me, it’s paying attention to the numbers, performing regular business development, writing each week and professional respectful follow up through the phone (versus email).
Allocate time
Everything in business takes time, doesn’t it? I can guarantee that if it is not in the calendar, it will not happen, so I allocate the time I think it will take and I put it in the diary, it’s probably the next step that is the most important…
Keep the appointment with yourself
How often do we forgo that time with ourselves because something “urgent” or “more important” has come up. It can be hard to keep that appointment with yourself, but well worth it.
Do the work
Doing the work will ensure that you set yourself up for success in the long term. Depending on how you like to work, it will depend on how much you can achieve. I like to work to the Pomodoro technique (25-minute chunks) because I want to review my work to ensure I am happy with it before continuing.
What about you? Have you tried to be consistent and had success? Why has that been? Or are you one of many who needs a little more help? If you haven’t tried it, pick something small and use the points above to achieve consistency, and let me know how you go!
I’m Emma, and I’m a business and executive coach who believes wholeheartedly in the potential of women. My coaching philosophy is simple- taking action leads to results- and I love working with women in business and in corporate roles to take their passion and drive and transform their professional and personal lives.
Be enthusiastic, optimistic and energetic, every day.
Em x