Each Purple Inkster picked a word as our theme for the year in 2019. Mine was “do,” which I used to push myself to follow through on plans and ideas I had, because with #1 Intellection, I have a tendency to overthink things. This year, we’re each choosing one of our top 5 CliftonStrengths® themes. The strength I chose to concentrate on in 2020 is my #4, Consistency.

Some Gallup definitions of Consistency:

“People exceptionally talented in the Consistency theme are keenly aware of the need to treat people the same. They crave stable routines and clear rules and procedures that everyone can follow.”

“…you believe that people function best in a consistent environment where the rules are clear and are applied to everyone equally. This is an environment where people know what is expected. It is predictable and evenhanded. It is fair.”

I definitely use Consistency pretty regularly at work – I love a spreadsheet – but this year, I want to be more intentional about aiming it to improve processes, keep things running smoothly, and hopefully free up some time.

How I will focus on consistency in 2020?

The ideas I’ve had so far:

• In January, I created a “morning routine” checklist for myself – bringing in that #3 Achiever. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s helping me keep up with email and strategize and prioritize for the day.
• As a department of one, I have a lot on my plate at any given time. Creating some consistent processes around my recurring tasks should help me streamline them and make them more efficient and less time-consuming.
• In addition to creating new processes, I want to take a look at some of my existing processes and how they can be better. I often find repetitive tasks relaxing, and the things that I do the same way every day or every week take less time and energy for me. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvement, though; identifying some areas that are slowing me down will make things more efficient in the long run.
• Because of my Consistency, it can frustrate me when people don’t do things the same way I demonstrated them. This year, I’ll explain why doing things that way is important when it is, and let it go when it’s not; after all, what counts the most is that it got done.
• On the personal side, I need to get into a better exercise routine. I’m great at talking myself out of doing things when they’re vague and undefined (Intellection), so, honestly, I should probably set specific days and times that I’ll work out and keep them consistent every week.

What will YOU do in 2020?

If you know your CliftonStrengths®, I encourage you to join us in focusing on one of them this year. If not, consider taking the assessment at http://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths to discover your strengths. Need help in making a plan with your strengths or learning to apply them in your daily life – both personally and professionally? Want to work with your team to learn how to leverage your strengths together? Reach out to Purple Ink for more information!

If you’re interested in learning more about CliftonStrengths® and how to leverage your strengths to achieve your greatest potential, we’re leading a few CliftonStrengths® workshops at our office in Carmel, IN this year – one on April 30, 2020, and one on October 20, 2020. We hope to see you there!