Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

Let’s talk about consistency—or rather, how we sabotage it without even realizing it. We’ve all been there: you set a daily plan, you’re determined to stick to it, and then the temptation creeps in to work ahead. You think you’re being proactive, but let me tell you: working ahead isn’t always the win you think it is.

Why? Because when you work ahead, you’re subtly planning not to be consistent. You’re leaving room to skip a day or slack off later, thinking, “It’s fine, I’m ahead.” That’s not building consistency; that’s giving yourself an exit strategy.

Consistency is Built Day by Day

The key to true consistency lies in completing your daily plan—nothing more, nothing less. Cover what’s on the docket for that day and trust the process. You might think tackling extra tasks is a way to stay ahead of the curve, but in reality, it disrupts the rhythm you’re trying to create.

When you plan for tomorrow’s workload today, you risk falling into the cycle of inconsistency. You’re not just breaking the plan; you’re breaking the habit-building process. Consistency thrives on repetition, not bursts of overachievement.

Focus on the “Now”

By sticking to your daily plan, you keep the focus on doing a little bit at a time. This builds your consistency muscle, one day at a time. And guess what happens when you show up daily? Gradual results. You don’t need to overdo it on one day or stress about playing catch-up the next.

It’s not about moving mountains all at once. It’s about taking small, steady steps forward. Those steps may feel tiny, but they add up. When you stick to the plan, day after day, you start to see the power of consistency—and that breeds confidence.

Planning to Be Inconsistent

Let’s face it: working ahead can feel productive in the moment, but if you’re honest with yourself, it’s often a safety net for missing a day. You’re essentially saying, “Just in case I don’t show up tomorrow, I’ll do more today.” That mindset sets you up to fail because it assumes inconsistency is inevitable.

Instead, flip the script. Plan to show up daily, even if you don’t feel like it. Remind yourself that every day matters and that the small tasks you complete today are laying the foundation for tomorrow’s success.

Why Consistency Matters

Consistency isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. When you honor your daily plan, you create momentum. Over time, that momentum becomes second nature. Your confidence grows because you know you can rely on yourself to show up.

And let’s not forget the benefits:

• Mental clarity: You’re less stressed because you’re not overwhelmed with trying to “catch up.”
• Steady progress: Small, consistent actions yield big results over time.
• Confidence: You prove to yourself that you can stick to a commitment, and that builds trust in your own abilities.

Stick to the Plan

If you’ve set a daily plan, stick to it. Don’t be tempted to overachieve one day and slack off the next. Consistency is about showing up every single day, no matter how small the task. Trust the process, respect the plan, and watch your gradual results unfold.

Remember: planning ahead to make room for inconsistency later is just that—planning to be inconsistent. Instead, plan for consistency by showing up for what you’ve committed to each day. You’ll be amazed at the confidence and results that follow.