By Katie Barnett
In many areas of my life, consistency has become my anchor, a thread that goes through the chaos of daily life, guiding me toward progress. Whether it’s in lacing up my running shoes or diving into the work I do with Common Coffee and other brands, consistency has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and self-discovery.
Running: a testament to commitment
Running has been the biggest teacher in the art of consistency. It started as a simple desire to look after myself, but over time, it’s become a defining part of who I am. On the surface, running is straightforward – one foot in front of the other, kilometre after kilometre. But the real magic lies in showing up, even on the days when motivation feels like a distant memory.
For me, running has never been about chasing a finish line or being the fastest; it’s always been about testing my limits, both mentally and physically. Every run is a small promise kept to myself – a commitment to push further, to see what I’m capable of. Some days, that looks like hitting a new personal best, but on others it’s simply getting out the door when I really don’t feel like it. It’s in this act of consistency, no matter what, that I’ve found so much personal growth.
Running has taught me to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. The path to improvement is rarely linear – there are plateaus, setbacks, and unexpected challenges. Yet, each step builds on the last. Consistency is less about perfection and more about persistence – a philosophy I’ve carried into every area of my life.
Coffee: consistency through ritual
Just as running has been a grounding force in my life, coffee has its own role in shaping daily routines. Coffee is more than a beverage – it’s a ritual, a moment to pause in an otherwise busy day.
Consistency is at the heart of what we do at Common. From the way we source and roast our beans to the connections we create, every element reflects a commitment to quality and care. It’s about showing up for our customers, day in and day out, with the same level of passion and intention.
Much like running, coffee rituals thrive on consistency. There’s comfort in knowing that your favourite cup will taste just as good today as it did yesterday. Beyond that, these rituals enable connections – a quiet moment of reflection with a morning espresso or a long overdue catch-up over a long black. Coffee has a unique way of fostering a sense of community, no matter what.
Lessons learned from consistency
Consistency isn’t always glamorous. It’s often unremarkable, built on small, repetitive actions that don’t always feel significant in the moment. But over time, those actions compound. They create momentum, build resilience, and open doors to greater opportunities. When I started out by running just 2km a few years ago, I’d never have imagined myself signing up to 50km races, seeing just how much further I could push myself each time.
Through running, I’ve learned to trust the process – to believe that each step, no matter how small, is a step forward. Through coffee, I’ve learned to value the power of connection – to see how consistency in showing up for others can create lasting impact.
Whether it’s on the trails or in the coffee shop, consistency shapes not just our habits, but our lives.
