Tried and true is hard to come by. This phrase is often bestowed upon to those who have shown that they are reliable and trustworthy individuals. Last week after a night of reflection and complaining with one of my best friends, we both came to the realization that we are dependable but not consistent.
While these terms while often used interchangeably, I'd argue they are very different. Dependable is based on your willingness to show up for someone in some fashion. Being labeled a dependable or reliable person is often a great compliment because it often signifies that others can trust you.
Consistent on the other hand has very little to do with what others perceive of you or what you can do for others. Consistent simply means production at the same level regardless of a shift or change in circumstance. While dependability is based on other people consistently only revolves around one person, you.
Personally, I find it remarkably easier to be dependable rather than consistent. For example, if someone I know needs something from me, I’ll make sure it's done because I’m aware of the potential consequences on their end that could develop if I fail to keep my word.
I wouldn't say I'm super consistent in my life. There are weeks when I'm perfectly balanced and producing quality content in all of the areas of my life and then there are weeks where I'm struggling in some areas and thriving in others. I haven't yet found the balance to where I'm pushing myself to do excellent work all the time.
But my consistency isn't just limited to work produced. Sometimes this lack of consistency can include the lack of transparency we have with ourselves. This can sometimes lead us to not take the advice that we are often dishing out to other people.
Knowing there are potential repercussions is an easy way guarantee a certain level of performance. However, what sets good from great is the ability to provide others the insurance that you will always deliver and the only to issue this confidence is to continuously deliver high-quality content and work regardless of the circumstance.
