The road to hell is paved with good intentions. You’ve heard that one before, haven’t you? While clichéd for sure, it speaks to a universal truth—people like to talk, but they’re even more enamored with procrastination. But intentions by themselves don’t result in success.

Even though my blogging has been consistent over the years, I don’t always feel like putting up a post. Since I’ve selected Tuesday and Friday as days for fresh content, I have a commitment to making that happen. I’ve self-imposed these deadlines to ensure that my blog doesn’t end up like so many other vacant storefronts out there by bloggers who thought it would be cool to blog and then got waylaid by boredom, or difficulty, or the myriad of excuses that people use to not do what they need to do.

James Altucher mentions the importance of being consistent and persistent. He’s speaking about podcasts in his case, but I think those traits are applicable to just about any task-oriented endeavor. You’ve got to commit to making it happen, and then you need to follow it through—not once, or twice, or for a week—but time after time, for a year, five years, and even longer.

Practice makes perfect.

This blog has been around since 2012. I’m coming up on my fourth anniversary next month. My blogging actually dates back to 2003, however.

I wrote this in my first post for the JBE. If the 21st century world of work and workforce is about anything, it’s learning new things, constantly upgrading your skills, and embracing the technological onslaught that overwhelms many–even professionals and government leaders.

 The upgrading of skills along with learning new things are both still central to what I’m about. I’m not so sure I’m as keen on embracing “the technological onslaught.” Technology is necessary, but I don’t plan on having it run my life. That’s something I’ve learned over the past year.

I’m very bullish on being consistent and persistent, however. Even when people aren’t beating the door down for your services or skills. Continuing on when you’re tired, discouraged, and even disrespected.

That’s when the real test of your mettle starts.