The desire for consistency and how to use it

The desire to maintain a consistent approach to our life is a powerful driver of personal actions. Once we take a decision, we will put in place all kinds of strategies to make that choice work for us rather than appear inconsistent to others.

This desire to maintain a consistent approach starts early in life, think about the negative ways we have of talking about people who do not adopt this consistency. We describe people as "a bit flaky", "a day dreamer", "a drifter" we might say "I wish he'd just make his mind up!”.

A consistent approach gives us a sense of certainty in an uncertain world.

So how could we use this desire to be consistent to our advantage?

Well let's think about two things that lots of people would like to change about themselves; losing weight and becoming a non-smoker. Writing your goal down is the first thing to be done, that will generate the desire for internal consistency. But then, use the power of your relationships with others to hold yourself to the goal.

Get some blank business cards and on each one right down something similar to "I promise by the end of 2010 I will weigh xx pounds / xx kilograms".

Or if you are a smoker and would like to be a non-smoker write down "As of 30th March 2010 I have committed to being a non-smoker and staying a non-smoker for the rest of my life."

Now give these cards to people you know, trust and respect and who respect you. That might be your spouse, your parent, your child a trusted work colleague or a good friend.

Your internal need to be consistent to those around you will keep you on your chosen path. The loss of face and personal shame that would result in backsliding on the commitment will drive you towards your chosen goal.

Will it be easier? Probably not.

Will you be more likely to achieve that goal? Almost certainly.

Is it time to nip down to the office supply store for your blank business cards?