As you begin the new year, I have an invitation for you. Don’t focus on doing MORE. Focus on being CONSISTENT.

At the beginning of any change effort, our motivation is at its peak. We plan to take massive action. But too often that action is unsustainable. Motivation falters. Our efforts become inconsistent. Progress slows. Then we give up.

Heading into 2023, I had ambitious triathlon goals, but I quickly realized I wouldn’t be able to match my 2022 training volume. Thankfully, I didn’t have to. I just had to train consistently.

Despite training 20% less than in 2022, my performance increased significantly. Consistency proved to be more important than volume. Years of steady efforts started to pay off.

But consistency isn’t easy. The novelty of starting something new wears off. Then its just you and your goal. Consistency can be mundane. Consistency can be boring. But that’s where the magic happens.

As you think about goals for the new year, think big, but start small. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Aim for consistency. Long-term progress comes from steady effort.

Consistency > Volume