More Than Hard Work: How Consistency Transforms Your Journey
Hard Work, Consistency, and Growing Through Life's Challenges
The other day, I was talking with my youngest daughter about the weight of hard work. She’d been feeling like she wasn’t doing enough at school, feeling that familiar ache that maybe, somehow, it just isn’t enough. You know that feeling too, don’t you? I know I do. And as much as I wanted to jump in and tell her to give herself a break, it struck me that there was something important here, something we all need to hear. Hard work has its place in life, sure—but it’s the steady showing up, day after day, that really makes things happen.
Think of life like planting a seed. It’s a little thing that requires a lot of heart at first—you dig the hole, cover it with care, and start the process. And then comes the next part that we don’t always see coming: showing up consistently. You water it, make sure it’s in the right light, protect it from the weather. There’s no “just add water” shortcut, no trick that turns it into a full-grown plant overnight. And, sometimes, that work feels harder than anything. But just because we don’t see instant growth doesn’t mean our efforts aren’t doing something real and lasting.
So what happens when that hard work feels overwhelming or scary? Or worse, when you put in the effort and things still don’t seem to go as planned?
1. When It Feels Like Nothing’s Happening
It’s frustrating when you’ve been working hard, but you’re not seeing the results you hoped for. This is so normal, but it can feel lonely, like you’re the only one in that in-between space. The thing is, just like a seed grows its roots before we ever see a single sprout, a lot of our growth happens where no one—not even we—can see it. Our efforts are adding up, creating a foundation, even if the “payoff” isn’t obvious just yet. So if it feels like you’re stuck, hang in there. Trust that those little actions are making a difference.
2. When You’re Facing a Setback
I know it’s hard when things don’t go the way you planned. You give it everything, and somehow, it still doesn’t turn out. Setbacks feel heavy, especially when you’ve put in the work. But just like storms in nature, these tough moments are part of the growth cycle. They don’t mean we’re failing; they just mean there’s more to learn.
It’s kind of like when you’re going through a rough patch with a friend or a partner. You don’t just walk away when things get tough. You work through it, understanding that struggle makes the connection deeper. Setbacks in our personal growth are no different—they’re chances to learn, strengthen, and find out what we’re really capable of.
3. When You Feel Afraid or Doubtful
We all hit rocks along the way. Fear and doubt? They’re like those stones that sometimes sit just under the soil, slowing things down. But here’s the thing: plants grow around rocks. They adapt and keep reaching for the light. We can do the same. Sometimes that looks like taking a deep breath, moving through the fear, and taking a smaller step than we’d like.
When you feel stuck in self-doubt, try to let yourself off the hook. Even if you don’t “have it all figured out” right now, moving forward anyway is enough. Those small steps still count. Think of it as the roots growing a little deeper, even if no one else can see it.
4. When You Need to Trust the Process
Being patient isn’t easy, and I’m right there with you. We live in a world that wants us to expect results yesterday, but real growth just doesn’t work that way. And if we’re honest, we wouldn’t want it to. Because in those slow seasons, when it feels like nothing’s changing, we’re actually becoming stronger and more resilient.
Maybe you’re in a season like that right now, where you feel like you’re doing everything “right,” but you’re not seeing the results yet. When you feel that way, picture yourself like a tree with deep, invisible roots. Those roots make you unshakeable, and they’re growing stronger, even if you can’t see it just yet.
Real Talk: Steps for When You’re Overwhelmed
Here’s the thing: sometimes, we just need to take a step back and make it a little easier on ourselves. Here are a few ideas to keep going without burning out:
Do One Small Thing
When the big picture feels overwhelming, pick one small thing. If going to the gym feels like too much, try putting on your workout clothes and stretching at home. Small actions build confidence and let you keep the commitment to yourself without the pressure.
Reconnect with Why You Started
Sometimes, in the middle of the journey, we forget why we’re working so hard in the first place. Try jotting down a reminder of why this matters to you, and come back to it whenever things get tough.
Let Go of Perfection
One of the most freeing things is giving ourselves permission to move forward imperfectly. Growth doesn’t have to look a certain way. It’s okay to show up however you can, even if it’s not how you imagined.
A Few Questions to Reflect On
When have you been through a tough time but kept going? What did you learn about yourself?
How can you show up in a small, consistent way this week, even if you don’t feel like it?
What would it look like to let go of “doing it perfectly” and just keep moving forward?
Remember, Friend: Growth Takes Time
If you’re in a season of slow growth, or things aren’t looking the way you planned, I’m here to remind you that you’re still on the right path. Your hard work, your consistency, and your resilience are all adding up. Sometimes the journey is the hardest part, but it’s also the part that shapes us the most. So keep planting those seeds, keep watering them, and trust that one day, when you least expect it, you’ll see the blooms of everything you’ve been working for.
<3 Big Sis
