“Building a Habit of Success”
Hello, writer!
I hope you enjoyed this past month of inspiration and creativity building! As we begin the New Year, we’ll be diving into writing itself: how to write, to write well, and to keep writing. To do that, we’ll start by taking a look at…consistency.
You see, we are all consistent in something, even if it’s in habits of chaos and confusion (i.e. – consistently losing car keys, consistently allow Facebook to distract, etc., etc.). And it’s those consistent things we do repeatedly that make up who we are. The good news? If our daily habits are less than flattering, we have the ability to change them. Because here’s the thing…
Whatever we do consistently is what we’ll succeed in, whether that’s succeeding in writing our books, or in crawling social media, or in any other current habit, good or bad! But, before I jump into how to become more consistent in the things we want to do, let’s take a look at some people whose consistency hugely impacted their lives and others.
Consistency in History
Claude Monet was a great example of the power of consistency. As a painter, he was fascinated by the effect of light and patiently and persistently sought to capture and depict its qualities and effects on the landscape around him. To do this, Monet often painted the same scene over and over again in different seasons and at different times of day. His passion to portray light’s multitudinous expressions and his steady pursuit of that passion caused Monet initiate a whole new movement of art whose works and impact are still being felt today.
Consistency in the Bible
Daniel is another great example of consistency. Daniel steadfastly practiced his faith, praying three times a day, even in the face of persecution. His consistency gained him promotion to be the King’s second in command. When that same consistency landed him in the lion’s den, Daniel didn’t waver in his faith–or in its expression. And God honored Daniel’s refusal to compromise by miraculously intervening, displaying His glory, and winning the heart of the pagan King, who decreed that his whole nation must fear and reverence the “God of Daniel.” Daniel’s consistency literally impacted a nation.
But did you catch that, writer? Consistency not only creates excellence and influence in our work, like Monet. But when we consistently follow the Lord’s path for us, no matter what, it also gives Him space to work miracles in and through us. Because it’s during those times, when our commitment requires us to rely on Him alone, that He can move most freely and powerfully through us.
Consistency in Life
I learned consistency when my husband and I went through a season of financial trouble. We felt led during that time not to speak of our situation to others and not to spend any money we didn’t have. Even if it meant not buying groceries or gas. Though it was challenging, to say the least, we consistently followed this protocol for five months. And though were pretty hungry at the end of three weeks, God began to move in miraculous ways. By the end of the next year, we were free of all credit card debt and had made more money than ever before. Simply by being consistent and faithful in what God had shown us to do. That consistency carried through into our years of abundance and has enabled us to bless others in a way that we never imagined as the lifestyle we learned then both freed and equipped us to engage in ministries that have impacted hundreds.
Consistency in Your Life
The same is true for you, writer. Any call to write is an assignment from our King that requires our patient and persistent pursuit. And here’s the beautiful thing. As we persist in God’s call to write—especially when life is difficult and writing is hard—both we and our writing matures and grows. Want me to prove it? Here’s what I mean…
- Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4
- Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. – Hebrews 10:35-36
- And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9
- In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:6-7
- Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. – Psalm 126:5-6
Do you see that, writer? When we persist in writing through difficulty, it gives God space to work in us at a whole new level and for us to partner with Him as we rely on His strength, allowing Him to use adversity to mature us. And do you know the beautiful thing, writer?
Persisting through difficulty brings a depth and richness to our walk with Him that is irreplaceable. One that can’t help but ooze through our words as we write. In the end, the reward of consistency is more than worth its cost. That’s why Paul says, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…” (2 Cor 4:17) And though Paul was talking about our heavenly glory, the principle applies to His work through us on earth, too. Just as Jesus says in John 17:4…
“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”
And we can bring Him glory in that way, too.
Where to Start with Consistency
So, now that you know why consistency is key, here are some things to help you become the courageous, consistent writer you want to be.
- Prayer. One of the best ways to mature in consistency is by daily building our faith by taking time to pray and seek God’s wisdom and strength. To meditate, speak, and pray the Word of God and the goals and promises He’s given us. In contrast, one of the quickest ways to quit is to try to do it on your own. Staying connected to God is one of the most critical keys to consistency.
- Goal Setting. In order to become consistent writers, we need to have a clear goal to pursue. That goal could be to complete draft one by a certain date, or to hit a certain word count each week, or to publish your blog post every Monday. Whatever it is, choose a clear and specific goal to work toward. It’s hard to move forward when we don’t have a target.
- Accountability. Another key to component to consistency is to share your journey with others. When we are alone, we can become easily discouraged. Finding one or two trusted people, who can pray for you and with you and who you can share your goals and journey with, is critical to maintaining your focus and commitment. Which brings us to the last point…
- Commitment. Sometimes, the best way to become consistent is to make a quality decision that writing will be a non-negotiable part of your life. After all, if we have a call from our King to write, why should we view it as less important than a task assigned by an earthly boss? I encourage you: view your writing as a true profession and calling and prayerfully choose a specific time daily or weekly that you will “go to work” as a writer. This is a time to silence your phone and shut out distractions. Whatever time you choose, keep that appointment consistently for at least 30 days. Then evaluate the newly forming habit and make any adjustments needed.
Because here’s another thing, writer. Consistency isn’t about being perfect. It’s about simply doing a thing, whether time or place or outcomes are amenable. Because here’s another beautiful thing. It is in that place of dogged persistence that we are most like our King, who refused to give up on us or to be swayed from His Father’s difficult work of the cross.
When we let His persistent faith in us to work through us and through our words, it enables Him to move in miraculous ways and bring glory to His name in a way that an easy self-directed life never could.
So, I encourage you, today! If the past year was difficult, forget what’s behind and fix your eyes on the One who called you. Then prayerfully make a plan of what habits you might need to make (and drop!) with Him, with His people, and with yourself to grow past the difficulties and into the fullness of He intends for you.
Just like Monet or Daniel, you never know the impact your life and words will have when you do!
#faith #consistency #nevergiveup #EveryWriterWriting
