Is Consistency Really Key?

I don't think so—and here's why...

If you've attended any creators event, webinar, or you've followed popular creators online, you've probably heard the phrase “consistency is key" more times than you've heard your name. Creators repeat it. Coaches swear by it. Productivity gurus build entire brands around it. And while I think there's truth in it, I also think we've given consistency more credit than it deserves.

So here's my unpopular opinion: Consistency is not always key. And before you disagree with me, hear me out.

We've become so obsessed with showing up that we've forgotten to ask a more important question: Am I showing up the right way? Because if you're consistently doing the wrong thing, consistency won't save you. It will simply make you better at getting the wrong results.

Imagine you're driving to a destination using the wrong route. Pressing the accelerator harder doesn't help. It only gets you lost faster. The problem isn't your speed—it's your direction. In the same way, consistency without the right foundation, knowledge, or strategy only helps you repeat the same mistakes more efficiently. More of the wrong thing is still the wrong thing. 🤷

Sometimes we tell people to "post more," "work harder," or "keep going" without stopping to examine the foundation. Is the strategy working? Is the knowledge accurate? And how can you create room for growth if you're too busy producing to reflect?

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I also think we've unintentionally turned consistency into a measure of commitment. We tell people to show up every day. Push through. No excuses. Even if you're operating at 5%, just keep going. And honestly, I understand where that advice comes from. There are seasons when discipline matters more than motivation.

But there are also seasons when the wisest thing you can do is pause. Sometimes moving forward requires slowing down first. Sometimes your best work comes after you've given an idea enough time to breathe.

If you're constantly trying to get something out, you won’t always have time to think deeply, gather your thoughts in an organised manner, or consider better alternatives. Sometimes creators are obsessed with creating that they don't stop to ask whether or not what they have created is actually worth sharing.

Think about it - even manufacturers sometimes withold their products from the market so they can make improvements. It's not just about producing. The real question is are you improving?

I'll use myself as a case study.

I've been writing for over ten years. Yet earlier this year, I took my very first writing class. Because I've been doing it for years, I thought I already knew how to write, but I was wrong.

That class opened my eyes to techniques and strategies I would never have figured out on my own. I learned to write with empathy, to communicate effectively and to process my emotions before putting them on paper. I learned to stop confusing vulnerability with unloading my unprocessed feelings onto my readers.

For years, I had been consistent. But consistency alone wasn't what made me better. Learning did. And looking back, I realise that if I had simply continued writing the same way because "consistency is key," I might have become more consistent...but not necessarily better.

So no, I don't believe consistency is always the key. I think INTENTIONAL CONSISTENCY is. The kind that leaves room for learning. The kind that isn't afraid to pause when necessary. The kind that values quality just as much as quantity. Because at the end of the day, I'd rather improve slowly than repeat the same mistakes quickly.

Now, I'd love to hear from you. Do you think consistency is always key, or do you think we've overemphasised it? Whichever side you're on, tell me why in the comments. I'd genuinely love to hear your perspective.

By the way, my amazing Coach is right here on this app, in the person of Busayo Joan. I was privileged to serve as the Course Rep for the very first cohort and I'm back again as Course Rep for the second cohort which is currently ongoing. ☺️

If you'd like to learn the ropes about writing and becomes more consistent INTENTIONAL about writing, you should totally sign up for the next cohort. If you're interested, you can indicate in the comments or subscribe to her newsletter so you can be among the first people to be know when registration begins.

This is episode 2 of 20, and I'm excited for this writing challenge. 💃

See you tomorrow,

Glory. 💕