Why Consistency Matters
We've all heard Aesop’s tortoise and the hare fable: how slow, consistent, and persistent effort pays off over a quick burst of energy. The hare is a perfect example of a slow burn. A slow burn that builds up to something meaningful, more rewarding than we could ever initially conceive. They say mid-January is when resolutions and goals dwindle, which is why I wanted to share my value for consistency. Consistency has been my constant companion in my photography journey. Always teaching me, albeit not on my desired timeline, that good things are worth waiting for. And building something worthwhile takes time. Let's be honest. Building a base that will be the foundation for your creative skills or business takes time. Lately, I've been so turned off by these 5-minute hacks or "three steps to achieve this" when, in reality, nothing worthwhile or what we will value is handed to us in an instant, be it our body physique, our business, relationships, or our skillsets. I don't believe in shortcuts. Ask any well-established creative, photographer, business owner, or happily married couple; it takes consistent effort and work. I don't believe shortcuts exist for something our soul yearns for and what our creative heart desires. Those burning truths and desires have to be nurtured and cared for consistently. Little consistent actions compound over time, so much so that we can look back and not only see our feet where we envisioned to be but appreciate all those times when we didn't feel like showing up or practicing or pushing ourselves creatively, that we honored ourselves. Ultimately, we loved ourselves enough to continue the journey even if we could only see the one step before us.
In our culture, instant gratification, filters, quick fixes, hacks, and AI are now the norm. Yet, the quiet, persistent, and consistent action of an actual, beautiful human soul feels pure and authentic. Brave enough to keep showing up, learning, failing, practicing, and growing. Being creative is a brave act. I remember how terrified I was of uploading my first photos to my first website, actually hiding the browser tab if someone walked by just in case they saw it. I look back now and think how sad is that? To be ashamed of showing up and sharing who I was at the time? Creativity is so vulnerable, a reflection of essentially you. And that makes it much harder to be consistent and keep learning and putting yourself out there.
For anyone who struggles with being consistent in their creative work or life, frankly, rather than setting a goal of "I must do this," set a standard instead. Create a rule or a set of rules even for how you want to show up and be. For example, "I don't take on free client work," or "I pitch to new clients once per week." There are yours alone and yours to make. So, if there is something you need help with, set a rule and standard for whatever you hope to attain. Consistent action needs backup support, and that support could be a new standard you set for yourself. It doesn't need to be perfect at all, but continually being consistent at whatever you are striving for ultimately builds a sense of self-trust, self-worth, and confidence. This has helped me immensely both in my personal and professional life. There are no negotiations or questions; it is what it is, and I just do it and get it done. We are all human at the end of the day and should give ourselves grace when needed. Pull over to the side of the road and take a breather if you need to, but then carry on when you are ready. Cultivating tenacity will keep you moving, at your own, natural pace. I , for one, didn't feel like writing this week's journal post, but I just sat down, and here I am. It's a rule for me to publish one once a week, whether long or short. And it turns out that I have quite enough to say after all! So I hope you take something away from this ramble and encourage you to keep at it, whatever you are striving for. Things take time. Patience is consistency's best friend, hand in hand cheering you on, like the hare in the race, while you continue forward.
This is not the typical photography journal entry, but I hope you can feel that the photographic journey is just as much human as it is creative.
Sending you encouragement,
Alanna
