A fascinating concept often overlooked in personal development and coaching—the interplay between instant and constant influence. It’s a dynamic that shapes our actions and defines our mindset and critical thinking abilities. Some may also loosely refer to this as a trend for the instant and a habit as the constant. Though the terms might be similar, they do something different to the mind. Today, we will look at the instant’s power vs. the constant.

Consider this scenario: You’re guiding someone through a fitness journey. They express a desire to lose weight and improve their health. You might offer advice, suggest dietary changes, and encourage regular exercise at that moment. You control their actions, but who ultimately holds the reins of change?

This dichotomy between instant and constant control is crucial to understand. In the moment, guidance may feel like manipulation, but true transformation occurs over the long term. The constant influence can profoundly shape our beliefs and behaviors, whether from personal habits or external sources like media and societal norms.

Think about political affiliations or staunch fandoms—examples of constant control where individuals adhere to certain ideologies without questioning or considering alternative perspectives. Critical thinking takes a back seat in this state, and people become susceptible to manipulation and misinformation. This misinformation is not one of a woke idealization but rather of an inlaid belief society wants or hopes to believe.

In today’s world, where information overload is rampant, many are ensnared in the constant, bombarded by conflicting narratives and agendas. Think about one of my more recent blogs, “Doublethink,” where I talk about how you can have contradictory truths. This makes it easy to surrender to the stream of messages dictating what to believe, how to think, and even how to feel.

Herein lies the danger—when we relinquish our capacity for critical thought, we forfeit our ability to discern truth from falsehood, to read between the lines, and to challenge the status quo. The constant becomes a barrier to growth, trapping us in a cycle of conformity and complacency. What do we do about it?

That’s where the power of the instant comes into play. The ability to question, pause, reflect, and navigate the nuances of each moment is where true autonomy resides. We reclaim agency and open ourselves to new possibilities by embracing the instant. As I wrote in a recent blog, we also begin to develop a truer version of ourselves. As you can see, the shared knowledge and wisdom are all linked.

The shift from the constant to the instant transforms coaching and personal development. It guides individuals to see beyond the surface, question assumptions, and chart their course toward long-term fulfillment and success. I focus heavily on this with clients because the surface level might look and feel good, but it will poison the mind in the long term. This is akin to whether you would rather go through a moment of pain or a lifetime of pain. Most people will stay in the moment but live within the lifetime of pain framework.

Just as in life, where some play the short game while others opt for the long game, understanding the interplay between instant and constant control is key. Whether you’re making decisions about finances, relationships, or personal growth, cultivating a mindset that balances the immediate with the enduring can lead to profound shifts in perspective and outcomes.

The next time you find yourself at a crossroads, take a moment to consider the dynamics at play. Are you acting from a place of instant intuition and awareness, or are you being swayed by the constant currents of influence? By embracing the power of the instant and cultivating critical thinking, you’ll empower yourself to navigate life’s complexities with clarity and purpose. If you need help setting up this mindset and lifestyle, contact us here at Reven Concepts today.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts