The Voice of Consistency: the Angel vs. the Devil

Consistency Reigns Supreme from Brian Johnson’s Optimizer

Tony Horton created P90X. If you’ve ever done P90X you’ll never forget his high-energy approach to getting your workout on. In addition to helping shape the fitness industry, Tony wrote a fun little book called The Big Picture where he shares “11 Laws That Will Change Your Life.”

The first law is based on his motto “Do Your Best and Forget the Rest.” He got that from Don Miguel Ruiz’s 4 Agreements which is kinda interesting but today I want to chat about Law #5: “Consistency Reigns Supreme.” First, Tony makes the point that there are simply no “cons” to consistency. Therefore, it should really be called prosistency. (Hah.)

But that’s not what I want to talk about either. Today, I want to talk about the voices in his head. So, again, context, for those who may not know: Tony Horton is Mr. Jumbo Super Fitness. Do a Google Image search on him. The guy is jacked and has the energy of an energizer bunny.

Now, I have a question: Do you think he’s always motivated to work out? Answer: Not at all. In fact, he tells us: “Here’s a dirty little secret: I don’t get all that fired up about exercise most of the time.”

What? Really? Mr. Health & Fitness Supercrusher isn’t all that fired up about exercise most of the time? You mean he’s just like you and me?! Yep. Well, then… Hmmm…. How in the world does he get himself to get at it?

Answer: He listens to the Voice of Consistency and ignores the other voices in his head. Tony tells us that, on any given day, he’ll hear from one of three voices in his head chiming in on whether or not he should work out: Devil Tony, Angel Tony and Consistent Tony. He even gives us a ratio of how often each shows up. It goes something like this.

Angel Tony is all about working out. “YAH!!! Let’s *crush* this!!” That voice, apparently, is present about 21.35% of the time. Then there’s Devil Tony. Devil Tony says, “Are you kidding me? Can’t believe we have to do this right now.” He’s yelling in Tony’s ear 35.4% of the time. (Hah!)

Finally, there’s Consistent Tony. This guy is, as Tony says, “about as exciting as a wet dish rag.” But he gets the job done. He’s all matter-of-fact about it and says stuff like, “All right, here we go, time to train.” Nothing flashy. Just helping him do what needs to get done. He’s talking 43.25% of the time.

Put Mr. Angel + Mr. Consistent together and you have 64.7% on the side of the Good Guys — enough to outmuscle Mr. Devil and get the job done.

Today’s idea, in 3 parts.

#1. Let’s recognize the fact that we’re not alone in not wanting to exercise consistently (or do all the other Optimizing stuff consistently). (Enter: Common Humanity.) Even the best among us don’t always want to do what’s best for them. The difference, of course, is that they do it anyway.

#2. Take a little inventory of the voices in YOUR head today.
#3. Make sure the Good Guys are winning the battle.