Consistency is important, but there is a superseding condition no one talks about

Consistency is the holy grail of self-improvement. From Instagram influencers and Medium bloggers to professional athletes and other high achievers, you will not find anyone who will challenge this wisdom. Consistency is more important than motivation.

I attest. Whenever in my life I achieved success, it was because of consistency. Academic excellence, running, writing — my discipline was unwavering.

It was because of consistency… among other things.

Now, I will be the first person to question the consistency matra.

There is one specific factor that, for me, always superseded consistency. In fact, it was the very reason why I was able to achieve consistency.

Love.

That’s right — it’s as simple as that.

I loved the things I became consistent at. Or let’s say I was ‘pre-disposed’. I always enjoyed running. I always enjoyed writing. I like studying, in general. I don’t know why or how I got pre-disposed. The origin of love — any love — is not something you can discern analytically. Maybe it’s a genetic predisposition or may be acquired through life experiences.

And the other way around — if I am not interested in something, nothing in the world will help me achieve uncompromising consistency and, therefore, excellence.