Finding Fulfillment in the Steady State: Why Consistency Trumps Constant Enhancement
New research suggests prioritizing sustained engagement over relentless self-optimization can unlock deeper satisfaction in life’s pursuits.
For many, the pursuit of ”better” dominates daily life. But what if simply continuing – maintaining a consistent presence in activities we enjoy – holds more value than striving for constant improvement? That’s the lesson one runner learned over three decades.
at twenty-seven, she completed her first half marathon at a pace of just over twelve minutes per mile, finishing near the back of the pack. Thirty years and numerous races later, this May she ran the same annual half marathon in 1:38, maintaining a pace of 12:06/mile. “I haven’t gotten any faster,” she admits, “But you know what? I haven’t gotten any slower either.”
This plateau isn’t a source of disappointment, but a point of pride. She jokes about possibly qualifying for the Boston Marathon at age eighty - a realistic goal, given the qualifying time for that age group is 5 hours and 20 minutes. Her approach is “slow, steady, and stubborn.”
The principle extends beyond running. “Life, like marathons, isn’t always about speeding up, getting better, or winning,” she explains. “It’s about showing up, staying present, and enjoying the ride-even if you’re at the back of the pack chatting away with the other slow people, enjoying the scenery.”
Our culture frequently enough prioritizes improvement – faster, richer, smarter – and excellence is widely celebrated.However, it’s equally valid to simply enjoy an activity, even without excelling at it. She finds joy in both running and dancing, acknowledging she isn’t particularly gifted at either. “If I can keep them up and continue to enjoy them injury-free, I’m going to count that as a win.”
This emphasis on consistency resonates with observations in her coaching practice. She recounts a client who abandoned a fulfilling job as he deemed it “below” his qualifications and professional standing, only to find himself unhappy in a more prestigious, yet “boring,” role.
the takeaway? You don’t need to improve to justify yoru engagement with something you love.”You just have to keep going. Keep showing up. Keep enjoying the journey,” she advises. ”Because joy-weather it arrives slowly or quickly-is what counts.And sometimes, the back of the pack is exactly where you wont to be because there’s time to take in the moment back there.”
