In discussions of success and leadership, persistence and consistency are often used interchangeably, as though they mean the same thing. But they don’t. Be very careful what you push and be mindful of what you ask for. You might very well be inadvertently leading your people to stagnation and decline.
Persistence is the drive to continue forward despite obstacles, while consistency has two distinct meanings: the mechanical repetition of tasks and the relentless pursuit of a goal. However, I want you to understand that the key to sustained success isn’t simply repeating the same actions but maintaining an unwavering commitment to the goal while adapting along the way.
Though its exact origin is unclear, Albert Einstein is often attributed with saying that insanity is trying the same thing and expecting a different result. Einstein was definitely onto something! The point is that repetition of task is typically not the type of consistency we should be seeking.
A football team provides a perfect analogy. A great team is both persistent and consistent, but if it runs the same play over and over again, it is likely to lose. The best teams don’t just stick to a rigid formula; they refine their approach based on changing conditions, learning from past plays, and adjusting to their opponents. The goal—to win—remains fixed, as does the team’s determination to reach it, but the strategy must evolve because the competition is trying to stop you.
This is where many people misunderstand consistency. Some see it as strict repetition: wake up at the same time, do the same drills, follow the same process. While this kind of routine can be useful in a surprisingly narrow band of circumstances, it is simply not enough if results matter. True consistency is not about static repetition. Instead, it’s about unwavering commitment to the objective, even if the means must change. This understanding gives any true leader a strategic advantage.
Likewise, persistence does not mean stubbornly clinging to a failing method. It means refusing to quit in the face of difficulty but also being flexible enough to adapt. Understand that the most persistent individuals aren’t the ones who keep doing the same thing without results; they are the ones who find new ways to keep moving forward.
Winning—whether in sports, business, or life—demands both persistence and consistency in their most effective forms. However, this requires getting your frames right. The goal never changes, and the drive to achieve it remains undiminished, but the strategies and tactics must continually evolve. Those who embrace change, adjust their approach, and stay relentlessly committed to their objectives are the ones who ultimately succeed. Be mindful of which approach you choose.
