The Importance of Consistency

Joe Sangl

To accomplish anything great, it will usually require consistent effort over long periods of time. Here are some examples:

• Run a 26.2 mile marathon – I’ve run two of these events, the San Diego Rock ‘N Roll Marathon and the Houston Marathon. Each one required several months of intense training.
• Pay off a house – I was able to accomplish this by age 38. It took years of consistent and intentional focus to accomplish this major financial goal.
• Education – It takes 13 years of consistent performance to obtain a high school diploma. Four years of effort to earn a bachelor’s degree. More for a professional graduate degree.
• Raise a great child – I’ve not successfully done this – yet! With a 13 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby in the house, we are well aware of the need for consistency and its important role in raising a great child!
• Losing weight – Anyone who has faced the challenge of losing weight and succeeded clearly understands the power of consistency in maintaining a good diet and regular exercise.
• Building a business – Rarely is a business built overnight. I once heard one of my financial heroes, Dave Ramsey, say, “It took us 17 years of hard work to become an overnight success.”

Consistency allows you to accomplish “elephant-sized” dreams and objectives “one bite at a time.” To achieve long term financial success, here are some key financial practices one must strive to consistently employ:

• Give  

Make it your habit to live a generous life. Consistent giving ensures I am constantly aware of the great needs of others.

• Save  

You can not prosper financially if you do not save.

• Invest  

Investing a little bit of money all of the time usually trumps investing lots of money every now and then.

• Budget  

Giving every dollar a name every single month will ensure that all of your finances are used to their maximum potential.

• Continually learn about money  

Your financial education is built over time – just like your regular education. Commit to consistently learn about money.

• Insure  

If you do not have all of your assets consistently insured, you will be at risk of losing everything you have built up.

Are you living a consistent financial life?