By Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD
In one of my postgraduate classes earlier this week, I had talked on the importance of consistency and the need to strive to be consistent. Having sustained my English for Today lesson for over 10 years, made skits for over ten years, published in newspapers for over ten years, emceed at events for over 20 years, I told them that I can say confidently that CONSISTENCY has been a strength for me; one which I would want them to emulate. Fast forward to yesterday, one of them met with me and asked: Sir, how does one stay consistent? Aside that I was in the middle of something, I did not have a readily available answer for the question. Yes I have been consistent. But how have I remained consistent was at the time he asked a question I hadn’t thought of. I realised some things dwell in our subconscious. Like the legendary Apala singer, Ayinla Omowura, who would tell anyone after a heated argument that they shall hear from him in his next song, I too assured my student that I would ask myself how I have been able to stay consistent and would get back to him with another essay as a consistent writer. I gave the question a deep thought and I realised the five factors I shall be sharing below are secrets of consistency; or, my own secrets of consistency.
One, I start anything based on my conviction. I am never and can never be pushed to start anything no matter how good that thing is. I MUST HAVE MY CONVICTION. It is not enough to show me, I must see it myself. When I bagged my PhD at 31, the good and concerned senior colleagues around me felt the next thing should be to apply for a postdoctoral fellowship. I have had someone say it to me at least once every six months that I would have to quickly get on the next level. That is because everyone feels I must not let the burning fire quench, especially at the time I just bagged the PhD. Seven years after my doctorate, I have not completed a single postdoctoral application. It may sound funny and unwise but this is because I need to be personally convinced that it is what I want next for myself. No single person advised me to go for PhD. If anything, I was advised by some persons not to start it yet at the time I did. I started because I was convinced and despite how high the bridges were, with God I climbed them all to the promised land of doctorate. I am able to stay consistent because I don’t get convinced by people; I have to be convinced by myself. It does not matter whether the whole world feels the thing is good for me, I must see it to be good for me before I venture into it. That has helped me not to stop no matter what the situation is. If you must be consistent, don’t do it because you’re told. Do it because you tell yourself you need to do it.
Two, I prepare for the minimum capacity requirement before I launch out. I do not start anything to later realise that I do not have what it takes to sustain it. I give attention and make plans for the barest minimum of a start-to-finish. This capacity ranges from financial resources, to emotional readiness, mental alertness, social projection and so on. Sometimes we say that we do not need to get it right to start but that we have to start to get it right. The axiom is not to say that you start without plans. It only means the plan does not have to be perfect.
Three, for most of the things I do, I think more in terms of giving than getting so that gets me going. I remember that even when my PhD journey got so tough, one thing I told God every time I prayed was that if He should grant me the grace of completion, I would hold the hands of many others through the journey in mentoring. Most times when we place value ahead of gain, it makes accomplishments easier. This is sincerely one secret of consistency.
Four, I always have an audience in mind for the things I do so my mental picture of them gives me strength on the days I feel weak. I know for instance the number of people who would ask me when the next skit will be out and the ones who would ask for the daily lesson so I keep on keeping on. You must connect your vision to an audience if you hope to sustain it.
Five, I look beyond accolades. I love compliments, commendations and accolades but I am not primarily driven by them. Many stop their laudable moves because they feel no one is saying “thank you”, “well done”, “fantastic”. My goal is always to make impact, not to create impression. When I heard someone say I do my daily lessons to gain attention, I asked how it is possible to do anything for attention for ten years, especially when it does not even come with any financial gain. When you look beyond social media likes, you will always like what you do.
Consistency is a life tool and a soft skill. Everyone must strive to possess it. And to be consistent, you cannot be driven by your mood. Consistent people move notwithstanding their mood. Ultimately, God above all. May His grace always oils our race.
(c) 2026 Ganiu Bamgbose writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose, PhD
Department of English,
Lagos State University, Ojo
[email protected]
08093695359, 07084956118
