Consistency Over Complexity

Feed time and it will feed you.

This concept has slowly wiggled its way into my life and philosophy over the past few months. I’ve read a lot of productivity, self-development, and performance books over the year and one thing seems to stand as the linchpin in improvement: consistency.

As a professional cyclist and coach, I gravitate towards the performance side of this idea, of course. However, make no mistake, this applies to anyone – not just athletes. If you are looking to hone in on making changes in business, health and fitness, community…it takes consistency. One big effort or huge event or long workday may move the needle for a bit, but it won’t necessarily in the long run.

Time compounds all things. (extracted from Atomic Habits​)

If you give it inconsistent progress (skipping the gym, being late to meetings, eating a bad meal, not fueling a workout…) it will compound those effects over time. If you show up, put some focus in, and keep things simple but reliable, time will build those habits into something fruitful.

Let’s talk about it through the lens of training…

While most athletes are getting into the thick of their winter training, it can be hard to retain the motivation to do things you need to but don’t want to. As the base season gets rolling and you are putting in big hours or the weather is making your plans difficult, it can be especially hard to stick to a routine. As time squeezes you, it’s important to be consistent in your process. Rather than skipping a strength session because you are tired, not refueling after a workout because you don’t have “the right stuff”, or canceling your ride because you can’t get the full time in, just modify. 

​Check the box.

Grab something easy that makes you happy as you finish a ride – like a PB&J. Go to the gym still but go through the motions and do body weight only. Get on the bike and do your workout but condense the total time so you can move on with your day.

This idea of consistency has helped me reshape training, how I connect with our community, and the process of tackling business goals. Give your habits a little time and watch what happens.