(Dis)continue.

Human obsession with continuity is a thing. 

It follows the simple analogy of: if you do this, you should do that. 

If you set up a restaurant, you should expand and branch out eventually. 

If you study for a Masters degree, you ought to go to these companies after. 

If you go in this field, the expected career role pathway would be X, Y, and Z. 

After leaving my first job in advertising, it was no question that I needed to look for a new job right away. The fact that I left without a new job to move into raised eyebrows already as it is. So naturally, I searched. 

Because I had to continue working. 

Because I had to continue learning. 

Because I had to continue.

Continuity can be a good thing because it allows you to know what you should do after you’ve taken the first steps. It pushes you to keep on going and prevents you from giving up. For some, continuing what was started can provide a clear pathway on what you can achieve and what you can do. It can even allow you to discern what works for you and what doesn't. 

But continuity can be a gray line if you don’t actively and consciously stop your mind and your body from mindlessly just continuing for the sake of it. 

Continuing because you’ve already started. 

Continuing because you can’t go back anymore. 

Continuing because what else can you do? 

The tricky thing is that continuity can convince us that we’re on the right path. After all, what can you possibly do wrong if you’re just moving forward and pushing ahead anyway? But the thing is, the concept of continuing can turn highly addictive. Too much to the point that staying still can be a real challenge. And worse, that taking a step back isn’t an option. 

If you ask me  — consistency triumphs continuity. 

At the core of it, establishing consistency is crucial to actually practice continuity in your life. 

Someone who commits to the gym consistently even without seeing results. 

Someone who stays diligent to learn a specific skill day in and out, no matter the speed of their progress. 

Someone who continuously finds a way to learn in the field they’re in, whatever industry it entails. 

Being consistent allows you to stay attuned to the fundamental values and principles you hold closely. It allows you to proactively choose what you want to keep doing and stay true to that commitment. Of course, all while trusting yourself and the process that comes with it.

And if you’re lucky, being consistent can allow you to practice continuity on the right things. The things that truly matter for you. 

So if you find yourself continuing something just because, it’s okay.  

We’re all a work in progress after all.