CONSISTENCY

Diverting your mind away from the negative traps is easier said than done. But, being consistent is tougher still.  Consistency doesn’t show results but definitely gives you overnight success (lol). 

Over years of doing product management, I have realised that problem identification is critical, messy and tough. But, once you have the problem you can define a solution. But finding this solution is also a journey. If it’s new, you are uncomfortable executing the basic steps too. And until you accept this discomfort, you feel lost. This acceptance leads to getting comfortable with the discomfort. Then, it becomes routine. Then, it helps you become consistent. This doesn’t happen because you started seeing big results rather, you learnt more about the solution and/or the problem which kept you engaged.

Hence, I think consistency has a close correlation with curiosity. It helps drive the small actions which are inconsequential alone but can move mountains if stacked together.

Maybe the cure to negativity is to just abstain from reacting to or feeding that thought. A simple - ‘this hasn’t happened yet. It seems to be in my head!’ OR ‘Let it be. It won’t change even if I think about it’ can just help relax the eyebrows and drop your shoulders.

But, if it’s in your control and you can change it - then go do something. Something tiny will also do but just go do it. That satisfaction of completing the task takes away the stress and negativity.

But it’s tough. Takes time. So, be curious about the small steps. It’ll keep bringing you back.