As Uni begins tomorrow, I’m reminded of this idea of average speed vs maximum speed. I first came across this idea a few months ago on the blog of James Clear and it has stuck with me ever since. The idea is that for long term progress, aim in maintaining a consistent average speed in whatever work you do, rather than focusing on a high maximum speed.

James provides the examples of writing books and going to the gym to illustrate the surprising power of consistency versus bursts of motivation. Writing 1,000 words a day over a year or going to the gym 5 days a week will yield better long-term results than frantically writing before a deadline or excessive sudden lifting. While this concept may seem like common sense, common sense doesn’t always equal common practice. It’s easy in the moment to skip a few study sessions early in the semester, where assessments are a long way off… only to have chronic stress and regret when SWOTVAC begins, grinding out 10-hour study days. Ah, the joys of first year.

I hope I can keep this in the back of my mind as I navigate my surroundings this year to make better long-term decisions in my goals. It’s often the little does done consistently that make the biggest differences.