Small Steps, Big Shifts: How Consistency and Continuity Unlock Lasting Change

We all have that nagging voice, whispering about what we "should" be doing. Maybe it's a call to eat healthier, exercise more, or finally tackle that neglected hobby. But how often does that voice translate into sustained action? The truth is that achieving lasting change is rarely about grand gestures or dramatic overhauls. It's about the power of consistency and continuity – small, steady shifts that build momentum and pave the way for a transformed you.

Nicki Slaugh and I shared the following in Chapter 1 of Personalize:

Is there such a thing as a “small” win? We challenge this notion because the overall impact is in the eye of the beholder. Small victories can carry equal or even greater significance than their larger counterparts, and there are two primary reasons for this phenomenon. Without these minor triumphs, attaining significant accomplishments becomes doubtful; we tend to surrender in disappointment and frustration before reaching a grand victory. 

Small shifts to practice implemented consistently have the greatest impact. To innovate and improve, you don’t need to swing for the fences or radically change your current work. 

The Illusion of the Instant Fix

Our culture thrives on instant gratification. We're bombarded with messages promising quick fixes and overnight transformations. The rub, though, is that these purported shortcuts often backfire. Crash diets leave us depleted, intense workout routines lead to burnout, and abandoning our passions feels like failure. Education is no different. All one has to do is look at the slew of books, social media posts, speakers, and podcasts boasting claims that their big ideas will transform practice over time. There is no silver bullet. The key to lasting change lies not in drastic measures but in consistent, incremental steps. 

The Magic of Consistency

Imagine yourself trying to chip away at a large rock. A single, forceful blow might make a small dent, but it's unlikely to break the rock. However, with consistent taps from a smaller hammer, the rock will eventually crack over time. Consistency is the steady application of effort, the daily practice that builds upon itself. It's the difference between sporadic bursts of motivation and a sustainable approach to change. Look to identify parts of your practice that are either absent or need to be implemented more consistently. From a teacher's perspective, this could be lesson components such as hooks, scaffolding questions, or closure. For leaders, this could be learning walks, ensuring data is analyzed in professional learning communities, or timely feedback to staff. 

The Power of Continuity

Let's say you decide to start running. You lace up your shoes, head out the door, and complete a fantastic 5k. Feeling empowered, you envision yourself as a marathoner. But life gets busy, and your next run isn't for a week. Then, another week passes. Continuity is about maintaining momentum. It's the missed run you reschedule for the next day, the short walk you take when you're short on time. Continuity bridges the gaps between your consistent efforts, ensuring progress doesn't stall. For small shifts to practice to impact the great culture, there needs to be continuity across grade levels, classrooms, and schools in relation to the shared vision, goals, and focus areas.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

Change doesn't have to be overwhelming or more work. Here's how to harness the power of consistency and continuity through small, achievable shifts:

• Start Incredibly Small: Don't try to overhaul your entire practice overnight. Begin with a tiny, manageable step. Maybe it's implementing lesson closure or conducting three learning walks a day. 
• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: There will be setbacks. A new teaching method might not click with your students at first, or a new school routine might take some time to get used to. Don't beat yourself up if you fail to stick to your plan. Acknowledge the slip-up, recommit to your goals, and move forward. As I shared in Disruptive Thinking, chase growth, not perfection. 
• Make it Enjoyable: Choose changes that resonate with your education philosophy and align with your students' (or staff’s) needs and interests. If you're passionate about technology, explore ways to integrate it into your lessons meaningfully. If your students struggle with reading comprehension, incorporate more engaging texts and activities into your reading block.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Did your students become more comfortable participating in class discussions after a month of implementing a new technique? Take a moment to recognize their growth. Did you stick to your plan to give more frequent, formative assessments? Reward yourself with a well-deserved break.

Change in education isn't about dramatic leaps; it's about the steady climb, something I discuss in detail in Digital Leadership. By embracing consistency and continuity, focusing on small shifts, and celebrating your progress, you'll be amazed at the transformations you can achieve. Remember, it's not about overnight success; it's about taking one small step at a time, building momentum, and creating a new, sustainable you. So, lace up your shoes, metaphorically speaking, and start walking. The journey to a transformed classroom, school, or district begins with a single step, and with consistent effort, you'll get there.