Consistency breeds growth. Perfection breeds anxiety.

Consistency Over Perfection. Why Showing Up Matters More Than Getting It Perfect

Starter

We live in a world that often praises perfection. From polished presentations to flawless social media feeds, it can seem like anything less than perfect isn’t worth sharing. But here’s the truth... perfection is an illusion that holds us back, while consistency is what drives us forward. In this blog, we’ll explore how embracing consistency over perfection can propel you toward your goals, whether you’re training for a half marathon, building a career, or starting a business.

Main Course

1. My Journey to the Finish Line: A Lesson in Consistency

Just recently, I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon. The goal at the start? Just to complete it. But as I began training, my ambitions grew. I started aiming for specific paces, pushing myself to hit that next milestone. And while I’d love to say my training was flawless, it wasn’t.

My training plan had its bumps: missed runs, bad weather, and even a flood that kept me off the trail. But I kept showing up. The key wasn’t in following a perfect schedule; it was in the consistency of my effort. Over 12 weeks, I ran more than 200 miles, building stamina and confidence little by little. By race day, I not only finished but surpassed my own expectations, running an 8:34/mile pace.

This experience reinforced something I’ve found true in all areas of life: consistency is what moves us forward. Perfection? It’s often what stops us before we even get started.

2. The Perfection Trap: Why It Holds Us Back

The pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing. How many times have we delayed a project or given up on an idea because we felt it wasn’t “perfect” yet? This mindset can lead to anxiety, overthinking, and ultimately, a loss of momentum. Perfectionism often masks itself as a drive for excellence, but it frequently results in procrastination and self-doubt.

When we strive for perfection, we set ourselves up for disappointment. No one can achieve perfection every time, and waiting for things to be perfect often means they never happen at all. By shifting our focus to consistency, we release ourselves from this pressure and allow ourselves to make real progress.

3. Consistency: The True Driver of Success

Consistency, on the other hand, is accessible to everyone. You don’t need a perfect plan or flawless execution to make progress. You just need to show up, put in the work, and stay committed, even on days when things don’t go as planned.

In my own coaching experience, I’ve seen people reach extraordinary heights simply because they made a commitment to stay consistent. They took small, intentional steps every day, regardless of setbacks. It’s not about doing everything perfectly; it’s about doing something every day that brings you closer to your goal. Over time, these small efforts add up in ways perfection never could.

4. Building Consistency into Your Routine

So, how can you cultivate consistency in your own journey? Here are a few ways:

• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Start with goals that feel manageable, so you’re motivated to keep going. Hitting smaller goals regularly helps you build momentum and confidence.

• Embrace Imperfection: Allow yourself the space to make mistakes and learn from them. Each “imperfect” step you take is still a step forward.

• Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your small wins and milestones. When you look back and see how far you’ve come, it reinforces the power of consistency.

• Create Accountability: Tell a friend or mentor about your goals, or join a group of people working toward similar achievements. Accountability helps you stay on track when motivation dips.

Digest

Consistency over perfection is a mantra that can transform your journey. Whether it’s running a race, growing a business, or pursuing personal growth, the real results come from showing up day after day. Perfection might sound appealing, but it often leads to inaction and frustration. By choosing consistency, you allow yourself to grow, learn, and move forward.

Remember, it’s not about doing it perfectly; it’s about doing it consistently. So, whatever goal you’re working toward, show up, do the work, and trust the process. Success isn’t a straight line; it’s a series of small, steady steps that lead to meaningful change.

The Insight Toolbox:

Key Takeaways:

• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Break big goals into manageable steps to keep moving forward.

• Embrace Imperfection: Accept mistakes as part of the journey and keep progressing.

• Track Your Progress: Record milestones to reinforce your journey.

• Create Accountability: Share your goals with someone to stay on track.

About The Author

Patrick Miley Jr. is a business and career coach with a passion for helping individuals navigate career transitions and unlock their full potential. With a unique blend of healthcare and business expertise, Patrick leverages his experience as an ICU nurse and his MBA in Organizational Management to empower solopreneurs, minority business owners, and healthcare professionals to thrive in competitive industries.

In his current role as Nurse Product Strategy Leader, Patrick contributing to developing an AI-driven digital therapeutic with DTX Plus to support congestive heart failure patients, aiming to transform how care is delivered and managed. His work combines his deep understanding of healthcare with cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes and enhance the future of digital health.

Patrick is also the founder of Insight 2 Action, where he provides strategic coaching and marketing consulting services, helping individuals and businesses master the art of strategic communication—a skill that has profoundly shaped his own career.

When he's not coaching or developing innovative healthcare solutions, Patrick enjoys paddleboarding, running half marathons, and leading discussions in the Knox Book Club. You can connect with him on LinkedIn or through his company, Insight 2 Action.