We’re not machines. We don’t perform at the same level every day. Our speed, weight, sleeping habits, and emotions fluctuate. Yet, we expect ourselves and others to behave like clockwork. As Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.”
A study by the Harvard Business Review found that only 10% of people are consistently high performers. The rest of us experience peaks and valleys. Expecting revenue, sales, and client satisfaction to remain constant is setting yourself up for disappointment.
Expectations are anticipated outcomes of future events. Unless you’re a soothsayer, you’re likely to face repeated letdowns. As Seth Godin reminds us, “The problem with expectations is that they’re often based on what happened yesterday.”
Anomalies happen. Sometimes, they are what they are. But if inconsistency becomes the norm, it’s time to double-check your initial assumptions. A McKinsey study found that companies that regularly review and adjust their strategies are 2.7 times more likely to achieve above-average growth.
Embrace variability. Adapt to change. As Charles Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent; it is the most adaptable to change.”
Consistency is a myth. Success lies in acknowledging and navigating the ebbs and flows of performance. Set realistic expectations, and be ready to pivot when necessary.
