Tag Archive for: consistency

Many More Miles

This week I’ve walked – a lot!
Up and down hills, along quiet trails, through rugged country park tracks, and even across many miles of noisy city centres footpaths in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
My legs have been a wee bit tired, my boots are now well-worn in, and I’ve gone through a few snacks, but I am so grateful for my health.
I’ve also met a few people and had some interesting conversations on my journey too.
One of the highlights was a lovely walk with Monic around part of Loch Leven.
We weren’t in a rush – just walking, talking, and soaking in the stillness.
It was one of those slow, steady walks that grounds you, body and soul.
With every step however, I feel a little more ready for the West Highland Way in May.
It’s taken effort, daily discipline, and a lot of desire to keep going.
Right now, there’s a real focus in my life – a reason to lace up my shoes and get out the door, even when the weather’s been a little chillier or the route ahead feels long.
As I’ve walked, I’ve thought a lot about how this kind of preparation mirrors something spiritual too – especially with General Conference weekend here.
Just like a long-distance trail, the journey of faith requires daily effort.
We don’t prepare for big spiritual moments overnight.
It’s the small, consistent choices – prayer, scripture study, quiet service, that build our spiritual endurance.
General Conference is like a pleasant rest stop on that path.
A time to refill, realign, and refocus.
It doesn’t replace the journey; it helps us stay on it and grow stronger.
And just like how training for the West Highland Way has helped me feel more capable and more clear-headed, taking time to prepare spiritually helps me get more from the experience.
One verse keeps coming to mind:
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:1–2
This journey, both physical and spiritual, isn’t about speed.
It’s about steady progress, and keeping our eyes fixed on where we’re going.
So, here’s my question:
What are you doing right now to stay spiritually ready for the path ahead in your own life?

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To achieve something, you need to start with a small step.
In preparation for the walk with Mary’s Meals in May, for some months now I have been putting in many daily steps.
Recently, I purchased a new pair of walking boots and whilst breaking them in, one boot caused some discomfort around my right ankle.
Starting a new adventure often comes with initial discomfort or challenges.
In life, we progress on our journey by taking each day one step at a time, repeating the process consistently until we arrive at our destination.
I love this verse found in the holy scriptures – “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” Mosiah 4:27
In other words, we don’t need to rush; we just need to keep a steady pace and head in the right direction.
Likewise in life, our focus should be on doing our best, taking one step at a time.
Each step, no matter how small, moves me forward.
Some days, the journey feels effortless, and it is no problem at all.
Other days however, progress is slow, and the weight of the steps press down on me.
But what matters most in those moments, is that I keep going.
What felt like a long distance some weeks ago, now seems much easier indeed.
Training for the walk with Mary’s Meals has reinforced this lesson for me.
The cumulative effect of daily effort builds resilience, strength, and an inner confidence that I can succeed.
Small, consistent actions, whether in physical endurance, spiritual growth, or personal development, lead to meaningful results over time.
This principle applies to all aspects of life.
Whether we’re striving for a personal goal, strengthening relationships, or deepening our faith, steady, deliberate effort brings lasting change.
So, as I prepare for the miles ahead, I remind myself that success is not found in speed, but in perseverance.
Every step taken with purpose can bring each of us closer to where we want to be.
Take that small step towards your success.
What small steps can you take today that will lead you closer to your goal?

Steady Effort

Since returning to Scotland in the summer, I’ve had a few projects on the go.
One of them, writing a daily devotional book has dominated a lot of my time…and I mean lots!
I’m especially grateful through for a number of returned missionaries who have helped in the due process, gathering content, editing and keeping me on track.
I’ve particularly enjoyed the regular check ins with our Project Manager – Emily Hodder, where we have talked about progress being made!
Thank you one and all!
I’ve learned that writing a book is no easy task, but hopefully in the end it will be worth it.

Do one small thing

Steady consistent effort is key, simply by doing one small thing.

By embracing the principle of “by the inch, it’s a cinch; by the yard, it’s hard,” the task became not only manageable but deeply fulfilling.
Tackling a daunting task all at once can feel overwhelming for all of us, but dividing it into smaller, achievable portions has made it much easier.
Each day, I committed to writing or editing a small portion.
Sometimes a paragraph, other times just refining a sentence.
These small but steady steps have brought me closer to my goal.
A few minutes of focused effort might seem insignificant in the moment, but over time, these moments compound into something quite remarkable.
As the days add up, so does my progress.
I’ve learned that writing a book becomes less about monumental bursts of creativity and more about cultivating a rhythm of perseverance.
I have also learned that first drafts are often messy!
Yet, a book grows word, by word and eventually they all add up!
Now we are in touching distance of having a final manuscript to submit to the publishers, hopefully by the end of this year.
This idea of breaking big goals into smaller steps—applies to more than just writing.
Whether you’re tackling a fitness goal, starting a new career, or organising your home, the power of steady effort is transformative.
My biggest lesson: Daily effort, no matter how small, can transform daunting challenges into achievable successes.
The journey to write this book has reminded me that success isn’t about grand gestures but daily perseverance.
What goal could you achieve if you simply took it one inch at a time?

Are you dependable?

In life, one value stands out as a true game-changer: dependability.
Whether it’s at work, in friendships, or in family relationships, being dependable builds trust and strengthens bonds.
So, what does it mean to be dependable, and why is it so important?
On returning home from Belgium and the Netherlands recently, we needed some help with some home repairs.
I explained the situation to my bother in law Ali, along with another friend Tony and they promised to come along one day, when I’d hire a ladder.
The duly appointed Thursday arrived.
What would have happened after all the planning, costs and arrangements if they were nowhere to be found?
How do you think that would have made me feel?
Probably frustrated, let down, or even hurt.
Now – flip that around!
The duly appointed Thursday arrived.
Both Ali and Tony arrived early, we worked on around six projects inside and outside, completed all the work in a timely manner and had a bit of fun too!
The cost of their labour – I treated them to lunch from the local bakery!
The priceless message was this – I could count on them!
If you make a commitment – do you live up to it?
Dependability isn’t just about keeping promises—though that’s a big part of it!
It’s also about consistency, reliability and responsibility.
At work, being dependable means your team can trust that you’ll meet deadlines and complete tasks to the best of your ability.
In friendships and relationships, dependability is key to forming meaningful, deep, lasting connections.
When people know they can trust you, it strengthens the connections between you.
So, ask yourself: are you dependable?
If the answer is yes, you’re already on the path to success.
If not, don’t beat yourself up too much, dependability is something you can build.
Start today by making small pledges and keeping them and watch how it positively impacts every part of your life.
Can you be counted on?

Paying the Price

It is my experience that we do not achieve things of value in our lives, unless we are willing to pay a price.
“𝑷𝒂𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆” is an abiding principle that highlights the reality that anything of value requires 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕, 𝒔𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.
Whether it’s personal success, financial stability, or meaningful relationships, achieving these goals usually always comes with a price.
This “price” often refers to the time, energy, and persistence we invest to reach our aspirations.
Last week, I was invited for an interview with a leadership development company in which I was to give a presentation, provide some training and respond to several questions for a new associate relationship.
Subsequently, I paid the price in many hours of preparation beforehand.
Time will tell if I put in sufficient effort to secure the role.
A PhD student does not succeed academically, unless time and effort are put into study and research.
An Olympic athlete does not win a gold medal, unless time and effort are put into years of preparation for that final moment.
Long-term success isn’t handed out freely.
Someone who excels in their career likely spent years honing their skills, making sacrifices, and pushing through obstacles.
The success of a PhD student or an Olympic gold medallist often conceals the countless hours of practice, setbacks, and failures they endured along the way.

Consistency

Achieving significant results requires not just an initial burst of energy, but consistent effort over time.
The process of paying the price builds character.
It teaches patience, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
Challenges too, faced along the way foster personal growth, helping us learn from mistakes and become better equipped to handle future difficulties.
Superficial engagement in something seldom brings a deep satisfaction, measurable growth or meaningful results.
It requires us to put in our very best efforts.
In summary, nothing of true value comes without a cost.
Whether in business, relationships, or personal development, paying the price is an essential step in attaining lasting success and fulfilment.
Think about your current challenge…
Are you paying the price and putting in enough effort?

Daily habits

In my quest to refresh my Dutch language skills for an up and coming assignment in the Netherlands, I hit a significant milestone today on Duolingo…a 💯 day streak!

What we do consistently can and does shape our lives.

What makes the difference in our lives is not the speed or rapidity with which we move, but the steady, deliberate progress we make. Developing the habit of consistency isn’t about obtaining quick results, rather it’s about making incremental progress and improvements over an extended period of time.

As I embark every day, to set aside a few minutes to focus on my specific Dutch language goals, it has really helped me to progress, move forward and build some momentum. I love the Duolingo app too, as it really helps me to monitor and measure my progress towards my goal.

Yard by yard, its hard, yet inch by inch, its a cinch!

Building strong consistent daily actions, creates consistent results. How can you be more #consistent?

Starting on my next 💯 today! 😊

Consistency

My experience is that what we do consistently – will truly shape our lives.

What makes the difference in our lives is not the speed or the rapidity with which we move, but the steady, deliberate progress we make. Developing the habit of consistency isn’t about obtaining quick results, rather, its about making incremental progress and improvements over an extended period of time. I believe the power is within each of us to create our own momentum. A few minutes set aside every day to focus on specific goals and develop regular habits, will help to keep you moving forward. Daily, my personal habit of journal writing helps to keep me on track by measuring progress towards my goals.

Consistency is not about senselessly repeating an action over and over again. It’s about learning, growing and adapting your actions that lead to cumulative improvements over an extended period of time. Consistently choose to do the best with the talent you have.

Building strong consistent daily actions creates consistent results. Building a business, paying off the mortgage, getting an education or to accomplish anything great, requires consistent, deliberate, steady effort to make progress. Consistency is the difference between failure and success.

What are you consistent in?