Consistency is greater than intensity. Do you think that statement is true? I’m guessing you might disagree or even be confused why these two have to be separate from on another. Good, now you’re thinking with some intentionality. Let’s go deeper.
I believe in intensity, especially as it relates to sports. Without it, we can easily go through the motions—never really giving our full effort or going beyond what we think we can give. It has been said that a person will never be great without intensity, but I wouldn’t say that is always true. I have personally played with and seen many competitors who have gotten by with strictly using their God-given talents.
So many of today’s greatest athletes have not tapped into their greatness. Yes, they are professional athletes and at the top of their field. However, that doesn’t mean they’ve reached their full potential. As valuable as intensity is—and a tool all athletes must develop if they want to reach their own full potential—it’s consistency that is the greater trait.
“Discipline is just choosing between what you want now and what you want most.” -Unknown
Let’s look at this from a coach’s perspective. He or she has a great team that wins the championship. For a moment, that coach and that team are considered the very best. However, all accomplishments are forgotten one day or another. If that coach stops putting in the work and doing those things that got him or her that first championship, the intensity that once created a great team is now lost.
It is the consistency that lays the groundwork for who we are as coaches/athletes, and more important, who we are as believers. In the grand scheme of our life, the athletic pursuits are often a very small portion of our life. We must be able to put in a consistent effort. The greater the intensity the better, but the consistency must remain. Let’s take someone’s diet as an example. You can fast, drink the latest diet fad and exercise like crazy for a day, a week or even a month. However, it’s been proven by science and doctors that a healthy diet and real weight loss is done with a long-term consistent diet and exercise.
You might see this title and be confused, or even disagree with me. Good. I love a little back and forth. I believe in intensity, especially as it relates to sports. Without it, we can easily go through the motions—never really giving our full effort or going beyond what we think we can give. It has been said that a person will never be great without intensity, but I wouldn’t say that is always true. I have personally played with and seen many competitors who have gotten by with strictly using their God-given talents.
So many of today’s greatest athletes have not tapped into their greatness. Yes, they are professional athletes and at the top of their field. However, that doesn’t mean they’ve reached their full potential. As valuable as intensity is—and a tool all athletes must develop if they want to reach their own full potential—it’s consistency that is the greater trait.
“One man practicing good sportsmanship is far better than 50 others preaching it.” -Knute Rockne
It is far greater for us to approach our faith and our game with this infinite mindset. When we strictly put in efforts for something that is finite, even as intensely as you possibly can, that too will eventually fade away. Playing for Eternity is an infinite game. We should be coaching to build up players—not win championships. We play to bring glory to God and let His light shine through us—not for MVP awards and trophies.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because god’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, who has been given to us.” -Romans 5:3-5
People often say the right things, but our actions say otherwise. Be consistent in your effort and in your character. This is a far greater character trait and will take your influence and ability to reflect Jesus to much greater heights.
Finding perspective often starts with our thought of eternity—which is an infinitely more valuable purpose and pursuit. Who do you play for?
“The moment of victory is much too short to live for that and nothing else.” -Martina Navratilova
