Consistency vs Intensity

As we start a new week, remind yourself to put in not just consistent work, but to also be intense at what you are working on.

Most of you have probably seen this image before. I don't really like it to be honest. It gives a very wrong idea of what needs to be done in order to achieve your goals. It lets people who "consistently do work" an easy way out. It allows them to give themselves a little pat in the back just for showing up.

The entry fee

Consistency is just the entry fee. It's just table stakes, the bare minimum to be in game. To win big, you have to go all in. Anyone can show up to work. But that doesn't make them good at what they do. It creates an illusion of doing hard work. Consistency is not what distinguishes you from the other 99.9% of them.

Be a samurai

Showing up is not enough on its own. You have to go all in. Stake you life on it. When a samurai swings his sword, he does not just swing it sloppily. Every repetition of the same swing is deliberate and mindful. Each swing is not just a mindless repetition but an execution with deep, fierce concentration.

You need immense focus. Pour full attention and effort into your work. It will separate you from the dabblers. Intense effort consistently compounds. You will get exponential growth.