Veterans

The Power of Consistency

/ Greg Schaffer

Some time ago, I was asked about what makes a good podcast. There are many elements that I could choose from, but one immediately stands out – consistency.

Afterwards, I pondered my response, realizing that there was more truth behind the simple answer that I needed to unpack. I’ve hosted and produced the Virtual CISO Moment podcast for many years now, with the last three and a half devoted to weekly discussions with information security pros. There have been weeks that I didn’t feel like recording, or when a guest didn’t show, and I could have just let it slide.

But I never did, because I believe in the power of consistency.

To me, it seems that hose who are successful got that way by patiently doing what they need to do. They realize gratification isn’t immediate, that time and patience and grinding is what is needed to build anything – a podcast, a business, a new habit. Over the course of my podcast’s lifetime, I’ve seen other security podcasts come and go. It’s not that they weren’t of value. Rather, I think the producers of each that ended didn’t see at the beginning the need for consistency and constant dedication.

It’s easy to make a commitment, but it’s difficult to follow through.

In July 2025 I completed a 2200 push up challenge to raise awareness (and perhaps a few dollars) of the needs of veterans. The primary reason for doing it was obvious; I believe in supporting my fellow veterans. But there was another reason: I wanted to demonstrate, and be held accountable for, making a commitment and sticking with it. Every. Single. Day. To that end, I recorded a “first 22” (first 22 push ups of the day) video every day, usually early in the morning. It was more for me than anyone else, because I publicly held myself accountable.

It was not about the number of pushups. It was about showing up and doing the push ups every single day. I could have kicked the 2200 out in a day (or a few) and be done with it, but the opportunity for a lesson on consistency and follow through would have been lost.

It’s not as if there weren’t obstacles. Some days I didn’t feel like doing it. Several times I had to get out of bed to push out the last dozen or two because I forgot to finish during the day. This morning while getting in an early mountain bike ride at Montgomery Bell State Park I came across the obstacle pictured above. There seemed to be no way around it. However, instead of reversing (which would man giving up on the trail), I found a way to push through.

Consistency is not the key to winning and success, but it is one component. Show up every day, especially when you don’t want to. Do the grind, and pay the dues. You will find a reward . That’s the real lesson of the power of consistency.

2200 Pushups for Veteran Suicide Awareness

/ Greg Schaffer

On average, 17.6 veterans commit suicide daily, according to the 2024  National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Veterans often return from service with issues that few understand. Many feel they have to suffer alone. While there have been some positive trends, such as suicide rates for Veterans age 18-34 decreased by 3.8%, the problem persists.

Mission 22 is a veteran-focused nonprofit with a mission to combat veteran suicide through awareness, treatment programs, and community support.  The campaign began in 2013 from advertising agency CP+B and the nonprofit veteran organization Elder Heart, designed to open the eyes of the American public to the issue of what was then an average of 22 veteran suicides a day, according to Time Magazine.

Mission 22 has laid out a 2200 push up challenge for July. I’ve signed up for this because this cause is close to my heart. My primary goal is to raise awareness. Doing a bunch of push ups may seem on the surface to not do much, but for me it will help focus my awareness to help the mission of Mission 22. Maybe it’ll help your awareness, too. At the very least I ask for your support, well wishes, and prayers for strength and consistency. This is about 70 pushups a day, which is about 70 more than I usually do.

Of course, this is also a fundraiser, and I would love your help. Whether you donate $5 or $500, every bit counts. I’ve set an ambitious goal because I know that with support from people like you, I can get there. You can access my fundraiser on Facebook, and any amount is greatly appreciated.

Our service men and women keep our nation secure. We all enjoy the freedoms of this great nation because of their sacrifice. I hope you will consider helping them, whether through this fundraiser or other ways. They deserve it.