Back in my recruiting days, my managing director regularly assembled our small team for early meetings in our downtown Chicago office conference room.

I always liked these gatherings because I found them inspiring. My boss was one of those get-up-at-5am-to-workout types, and he normally had a poignant message or powerful sales story to share with us to kickstart our day.

Now, I know an 8am group-up wouldn’t be everyone’s jam, but for me – someone who loves professional development and all things motivation – it might as well have been a prayer meeting.

One morning, knowing of my love for positive workplace inspiration, my boss asked me to share a recent motivating thought that I’d come across.

I think I was in my Atomic Habits phase at this time period (have you read it? That opening chapter…amIright?) and so what I shared with the group was this:

“It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop.”

Now, for a group of Tech Recruiters facing a very competitive market in an industry where time is of the essence and speed is prioritized second only to sales, I might’ve have guessed that referencing Confucious would’ve been better received by a different audience.

However, I’m continually reminded of this thought when I’m in the midst of making big strides in life, either professionally or personally.

Consistency is a key indicator of success in most pursuits, and where many are likely to taper after a strong start.

Wouldn’t you agree? For most endeavors – from your workout to your vitamin-taking ritual to regular check ins with family and friends – performing on a consistent basis yields dividends in the long run.

It’s true that playing the long game isn’t always quick and sexy. But as Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”