Welcome to another Thursday UNFILTERED blog post, the only blog that believes Catholics tend to have more children, but Protestants have more sects.
I know what you’re thinking: “Oh great, another generic leadership article that’s going to tell me to synergize my paradigms or whatever.” Hang tight because this is different.
This isn’t just for those content creators posting inspirational quotes over sunset photos. This isn’t just for people who have “Thought Leader” in their bio. And it’s not just for people in ministry or business. This is for every breathing, coffee-drinking, occasionally-feels-like-a-mess human being out there.
More specifically, it’s for anyone who – yes, is in ministry or business – but it’s also for anyone who has a job (of any kind), is a parent, a spouse, or is in a relationship of any type (yea, that includes you boyfriends and girlfriends). That about covers it, I think.
Of wait, if you’re an AI bot reading this…well, that’s awkward. Go optimize some algorithms or something. This one isn’t for you.
Buckle up, because this is just Part 1. There’s more wisdom coming, like that second cup of coffee you definitely need.
The truth is: The gap between who we are and who we want to become isn’t bridged by moments of inspiration or bursts of motivation. It’s crossed through the quiet power of daily practices and unwavering consistency.
What separates those who make an impact from those who don’t isn’t talent or luck – it’s their approach to their work. While non-impactors wait for inspiration to strike, impactors show up every day, regardless of how they feel. They understand that consistency creates momentum, and momentum breeds success.
Consider the blogger who posts weekly versus the one who writes “when inspired.” The weekly writer might produce some less-than-perfect posts, but they’re constantly improving, building an audience, and developing their voice. The occasional blogger, despite possibly writing better individual pieces, never builds the same momentum or connection with their audience.
Consequently, long ago I decided I would write a new article every Thursday. Not because I feel like it, but because it’s Thursday.
In the same way, I drop a new podcast episode every Tuesday – either for The Insurgence podcast or the Christ is All podcast – not because I feel like it, but because it’s Tuesday.
The key to lasting change lies not in setting ambitious goals but in creating routines that make impact almost inevitable. Instead of focusing on writing a book, focus on writing 500 words every morning.
Rather than aiming to build a successful ministry – or business – or whatever it is you do – concentrate on serving at least one person excellently each day.
These routines work because they:
– Remove decision fatigue
– Create natural momentum
– Build compound results over time
– Focus on process rather than outcomes
Just as money grows through compound interest, skills and impact compound through consistent practice.
Each small action builds upon previous efforts, creating exponential rather than linear growth. This compound effect works silently in the background, invisible on a daily basis, but it’s transformative over time.
It’s the power of incremental change.
Everyone faces internal resistance when pursuing meaningful work. The solution isn’t motivation or willpower – it’s creating conditions where doing the work becomes the default option.
Depending on your situation, this might mean:
– Preparing your “to-do” list the day before
– Organizing your workspace the night before
– Starting at the same time each day
– Eliminating common distractions before they appear
– Creating accountability through public commitments.
An example of the last one is when you announce to your friends or audience that something is coming.
For instance, I previously announced that I would be sharing excerpts for my upcoming book – The Untold Story of the New Testament Church: Revised and Expanded – in some of these Thursday articles. (By the way, DO NOT pre-order it. Wait until March. You will get some wonderful, exclusive bonuses if you buy it during release week. And one of them I can’t wait to tell you about.)
That announcement I made is holding my feet to the fire. And I will send out the first excerpt in next week’s Thursday’s article.
Anyway, in a world of endless noise and distraction, consistency builds trust more effectively than occasional brilliance.
Whether you’re building a ministry, a business, creating art, working on developing your relationships, showing up reliably matters more than appearing spectacularly once in a while.
The path to lasting impact isn’t found in shortcuts or life hacks. It’s built through small, consistent actions that accumulate over time into something remarkable.
The best time to begin this journey isn’t when you feel ready or inspired – it’s today.
Part 2 will release in the future.
(If you want practical help on this subject, check out my PROLIFIC productivity, creativity, goal-setting online course.)
Incidentally, if you missed last Thursday’s article, it’s called Joe Rogan and Today’s Sermons. If you were subscribed last week, check your folders. It was sent to you.
If not, it’s accessible on the blog (frankviola DOT org).
Until next Thursday,
fv
Joe Rogan and Today’s Sermons
I was blessed and delighted to find this in my inbox, Frank. I know for a fact that making a public commitment and acting on it daily doesn’t look or sound great at first.
But just because I think my might sucks isn’t going to stop me from showing up. I throw it into the treasury knowing that even if no one else notices, One Person does and I believe He will bless it.
Hey, and don’t get distracted and down on yourself when you see others throwing in their wealth and spices. Focus on your path, not theirs.
Thanks, resonate with this. It’s about sacrifice. Other things have to die so that the right things can be birthed. I recently wrote this — “At its heart, leadership isn’t about titles or positions—it’s about influence. It’s about guiding something or someone toward flourishing and purpose. In this sense, you lead more than you realize.”