Stop Obsessing Over Consistency: A Guide for Recovering Perfectionists
The Consistency Trap
Let's be real - we've all been fed this story that "real" business owners make strategic decisions and stick to them no matter what. That successful people never waiver. That changing your mind means you're flaky or unprofessional.
What a load of BS.
Why We're Scared to Change Course
Listen, I get it. Having a brain that bounces from brilliant idea to brilliant idea can make you feel self-conscious. Especially in this neurotypically-dominant world that's absolutely obsessed with consistency. But here's the thing - sometimes consistency can actually hold you back from connecting with your creativity and intuition.
Questions to Ask When You're Feeling "Inconsistent"
Is It Actually a Big Deal?
Unless you're a heart surgeon playing hooky (tbh, I don't know how being a heart surgeon works), changing your mind probably isn't going to hurt anyone. Like seriously - are people going to complain about getting more free content? More flexibility? More of you showing up authentically?
Have You Simply...Changed?
One of my favorite things to tell friends when canceling plans: "The person who agreed to this event - that was a different me." It's not just an excuse - it's real. Your needs change. Your energy changes. Your capacity changes. And that's totally valid.
Are You Just Scared?
Real talk - are you sticking with something just because you're afraid of what people will think if you don't? Fear of judgment kept me from changing my newsletter format immediately when I knew it wasn't working. Don't let fear be your decision maker.
When Consistency Actually Matters
Look, there are definitely things in life that require consistency:
Paying your taxes
Making rent
Handling credit card bills
Showing up for scheduled heart surgeries (I assume)
But changing your mind about your business strategy? Your content schedule? Your offerings? That's called growth, baby.
The Power of Being "Consistently Inconsistent"
When I finally decided to switch back to my original newsletter format, I just told my audience the truth - I thought I wanted something different, but I was wrong. And you know what? People appreciated the transparency way more than they would've appreciated me stubbornly sticking to a format that wasn't working.
Give Yourself Some Grace
Next time you're feeling insecure about changing your mind, consider what's really keeping you stuck. Maybe it's not your inconsistency that's the problem - maybe it's the pressure you're putting on yourself to maintain an impossible standard of consistency.
Remember: You are absolutely allowed to change your mind.
And honestly? Sometimes it's the best thing you can do for yourself and your business.
