Definition
Constancy is the discipline of holding one lead behaviour across weeks — not heroic sprints — so the system learns you are the kind of person who keeps showing up.
Origin
Distinguishes one good decision (gym signup in January) from maintained behaviour (still training in March). Learning science: spaced repetition and identity reinforcement require duration, not intensity spikes alone.
Mechanism
Each rep adds evidence to Self-image and reduces the friction cost of the next rep. Break the chain and the old identity reasserts quickly — the January-membership failure mode.
Applications
Pick one visible lead measure (post, rep, call) and protect the chain for 30 days before optimising quality. Pair with The Victory Journal for evidence.
Sources
Cite
- Lally, P., Van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40(6), 998–1009
- Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits. Avery.
Related doctrine
Long Effort · Lag vs Lead Measure