ten minutes of consistency

What does it mean to be consistent? Why do humans value consistency? Is it even important to be consistent?

Consistency is the idea that one would like to be seen as...well, that their actions and words are consistent. That what one says and does line up and do not change over time.

Maybe this is because humans like stability. Perhaps it is seen as a strength. I'm sure that there are evolutionary arguments for that idea. Perhaps that animals were more likely to mate and reproduce if they showed a consistent ability to provide, to be a stable provider for offspring.

Maybe there's a Biblical argument for it as well. God is said to be the same yesterday, today, and forever. As humans created in the image of God, and try to become like him, that level of consistency is an attractive target.

So, that's why it's persuasive I guess. We tap into our fellow humans' natural inclinations to appreciate and strive for consistency.

How can we use that information to be more persuasive?

Step one is getting a small, easy commitment from the one who is to be persuaded, preferably in writing and made publicly. This small commitment helps set the stage for tapping into that individual's desire to be consistent.

Step two is describing how and why another, larger commitment is consistent with the individual's prior commitment.

And that wraps up ten minutes of consistency.