Inconsistency Defines Your Behavior

As we head towards the end of this year, one aspect of our personality we must analyze is consistency. Lets pause for two minutes and focus on how consistent we have been in the promises we made to ourselves, during this year.

“I’m inconsistent, even to myself.”-Bob Dylan

This term, ‘inconsistency’ has often irritated me, displeased me and exasperated me! Ironically it has also made me patient, tolerant and understanding. It has taught me the significance of regularity.

What is inconsistency? It is not being consistent in principles and conduct. It is not staying the same throughout. It is changing your behavior according to the given situation. Slowly inconsistency becomes a habit.

While we can work towards eliminating this habit, I have seen people push it under the carpet and deny that they have ever been inconsistent. Life itself is inconsistent, so are relationships.

Let me explain with the help of a very small example:

My friend who has been planning to lose weight keeps planning! She is waiting for the right time; she feels she would start when she is a bit free; she wants to start in the holidays and even does. But she comes up with ten excuses when you ask her why she is not consistent.

Her excuses are:

• “My son is unwell. He needs me.
• I have no time. My work keeps me occupied all day.
• I have so many responsibilities. I feel so tired.
• I have cramps in my legs. I have to wait for a few days till I feel fine.
• The gym is so cramped…I have to change my time. I don’t like the instructor.
• I think my priorities are different than yours.”

While we can dismiss this example with a lighthearted laughter, we need to understand that consistency defines our personality and in order to nurture relationships, accomplish our goals and earn respect, we need to be consistent.

“It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.”–Anthony Robbins

 Consistency is very demanding. Aldous Huxley may have said: “Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life…” But we are the ones who have to mold our lives and we can change its course only if we are consistent in our efforts.

Demands of consistency:

• Our actions should be in harmony with our values.
• We must uphold our principles in all situations.
• We treat all people with the same respect that we expect from them.
• We need to maintain our integrity even during difficult times.
• We have to come up to the expectations of others.

Our actions reveal our values and principles. If we don’t follow them consistently, we give out a clear message that we are faking our relationships. It is our behavior that exhibits what lies within us.

“Without consistency there is no moral strength”- Owen

When I think of impressive personalities, consistency seems to be the most important requirement. We may feel more detached and free in today’s world, dedication and sincerity may appear to be a bit outdated but they are still revered and valued.

Consistency of principles and conduct give a distinctive shape to our personality. When we don’t change our behavior in the midst of crisis, under pressure or due to threats, when the influence of circumstances doesn’t crush us or change us, we can call ourselves consistent.

Consistency in relationships is the key to happiness and serenity. All relationships need an assurance, an assertion and an affirmation that they can be banked upon. Consistency lends that much needed emotional mortar to firm our relationships.

Consistent parents raise happy and healthy children and make a positive mark on their ever-evolving personality.

Dedication and sincerity are the offshoots of consistency, which align our actions with our concepts.

Just consider what consistency can do:

• Consistency of thoughts evolves us into a better person. Even if our thoughts happen to be negative at times, they are shoved away by being positive and consistent.
• Consistency of beliefs leads us through the darkest tunnels of our mind. Trust speaks to us during those disappointing moments to focus on positive aspects of life.
• Consistency of values makes us a luminous personality. It makes us as tall and as bright as the lighthouse. People notice that consistency and get inspired.
• Consistency of upright behavior endears us to all our acquaintances and friends who know that they can pin their hope on us.
• Consistency of affirmative outlook sends a positive message to all those around us.
• Consistency of diet, exercise and meditation keeps us healthy and fit.

Why are we inconsistent? After careful analysis, I have tried to comprehend a few reasons:

We lack the will. We are lazy. We procrastinate. We may be having confusing principles. We may be selfish and self- centered. Allow Yourself To Be A Better Person

Have you ever tried to analyze the reasons of inconsistency? Are you consistent in your work, behavior and relationships? You can share your valuable thoughts here.

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– Balroop Singh

 

 

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