In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, the question often arises: Should we strive to be good or great? While aiming for greatness may seem enticing, there is value in the consistency and predictability of being consistently good. This tip explores the importance of reliability and how it can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.

Predictable Excellence

As customers, we tend to appreciate consistent experiences rather than occasional moments of brilliance. Consider the example of a restaurant: Would you prefer dining at a place that delivers occasional greatness but is inconsistent overall? Most people lean towards establishments that consistently meet their expectations. We thrive on predictability, as it provides a sense of stability and comfort.

The same principle applies in the workplace. Employers often value employees who consistently perform well day after day. While sporadic bursts of greatness may be impressive, sustained excellence contributes more to meeting and exceeding expectations. A screen actor may get away with occasional brilliance, but for a Broadway hopeful, consistency is vital.

Choosing the Path of Consistency

Our society frequently sacrifices greatness for consistency. We prefer knowing what to expect and relying on familiar options. For instance, we may choose to eat at McDonald’s, a reliable fast-food chain, over a restaurant that occasionally offers extraordinary meals. The equation for happiness from Tom Magliozzi, which states that happiness equals reality minus expectations, reinforces our inclination toward predictability.

Striving for Consistency

Many of us aspire to greatness, aiming for perfection and high standards in our interactions with others. We desire customer adoration, employee recognition, and the admiration of our loved ones. However, it is crucial to recognize that consistently failing to deliver predictable results can disappoint people. We often succeed more by striving to be consistently good rather than sporadically great. Doing so does not mean we cannot have moments of greatness; our best strategy is to be consistently good at what we do.

Building Lasting Impressions

Delivering greatness and then failing to maintain that standard can lead to disappointment. Imagine a new sandwich shop that wows you with the best sandwich you’ve ever tasted. You share your excitement with friends, only to be disappointed by subsequent visits that fail to match the initial experience. Each time a new bar is set, expectations rise, potentially diminishing happiness.

I had that experience at a local restaurant that shall remain nameless. They deliver a good sandwich, and many people love them. Unfortunately, the first time I ate there, I had the best sandwich I have ever enjoyed, and they have never lived up to that bar again. Knowing I will be disappointed, I no longer frequent that restaurant.

Achieving Consistent Excellence

How can we achieve the highest level of consistent excellence? Here are a few simple steps to get you started.

1. It starts with creating and implementing small systems. These systems, whether simple or more complex, help streamline our daily routines. From having consistent phone greetings to following the same route to work, small systems contribute to smooth operations.
2. The next crucial step is fulfilling our commitments. Following through on our promises is often overlooked but essential for maintaining trust and reliability. Whether making timely callbacks or honoring satisfaction guarantees, it is crucial to fulfilling what we say we will do. Using calendars and schedules can be instrumental in ensuring accountability.
3. Lastly, seeking feedback and analyzing data can guide us in identifying the habits and behaviors that foster positive relationships. Being consistently good does not mean staying stagnant; it means continuously improving our level of “good” to reach new heights.

Strive for Consistency, Aim for Excellence

In conclusion, strive to be consistently good rather than inconsistently great. Embrace the value of predictability and reliability in both personal and professional spheres. Assess your current systems and develop new strategies to enhance your consistency. Commit to following through on your promises and seeking feedback to improve your relationships. Embrace the journey towards reliable and RADical success.