How to Be Consistent

Consistency is doing the same behaviour repeatedly. We have to be patient if we want to get results. Let me show you how to be consistent.

I found that with any new habit or routine I adopted, I would be really motivated at the beginning and would see some results to start with. This motivation would gradually fade and usually lasts a few weeks.

Typically New Years resolutions last till the 2nd week of February, research shows for habits to become automatic, it takes 66 days. This is because after a few weeks the results are less obvious. Notice I say less obvious……It feels like we are hitting a plateau. This is why staying consistent is the hardest part and requires patience.

Use this to stay consistent no matter what.

This thought (or I call it a tool because I use it) has helped me when I feel I am plateauing. I use it to remind me that not seeing any results does not mean that things are not happening inside my body. You must let your body do its work as you do your part by staying fit and healthy.

I call this the “toilet roll analogy”. I can’t remember where I first saw this explanation but it has stuck with me all these years.

Imagine a roll of toilet paper. When you use the first few sheets, you don’t notice much difference, but slowly as you use it daily you start to notice the toilet roll is getting low. Then before you know it, there’s no toilet paper left. Just like habits, initially the impact is small, even unnoticeable, but with the accumulation of your daily action it will eventually lead to visible results. Persistence and consistency is key. Every time I felt I was sticking to the plan but not getting the results I would think of “toilet paper”. Try it.

This concept is the same for bad habits. If you continually perform them every day, consistently over a period of time, it will eventually lead to health problems later.

So start being mindful of your actions now. Take control of your choices.

An important step to being consistent is to have a plan or strategy.

Where is your starting point?

I keep referring to this as a journey, so at the beginning of any journey you need to know where your starting point is. I like to do a mini self assessment. The questions I ask myself are:

• Where am I at?
• Where do I want to be? What is my dream? (Dream big at this point! If you could have any life you want, what would it look like?)
• Why do I want it?
• What lesson/s have I learned from last year?
• What do I want to keep doing?
• What do I want to stop doing?

Why don’t you get a piece of paper and write your answers down now before you continue on to the next step. Or even better, get a notebook and use this to start a journal.

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Setting Goals is crucial

After I do my mini assessment, the next step is to set my goals. The best way to describe goals is as pit stops towards your dream. They are small actions that would move me forward towards achieving my dream.

Having no goal is like having no GPS, you don’t know where you’re going. Goals give you focus and a target. Writing them down makes you more committed. There’s something about writing things down that gives them more clarity.

The way I do this is, every month I would set 3 monthly goals relating to different areas of my life. It could be one relating to health, fitness, learning or a home project, etc.

Break down your goals into actionable steps

With each of my monthly goals I break them down into weekly actionable steps that I can take, in order reach my goal.

When I set these goals I make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound. View the video below which explains this well.

Create a routine of setting your weekly goals and also make sure you review them weekly to make sure you are on track. Each week ask yourself

• What do I want to keep doing?
• What do I want to stop doing?
• What lessons have I learned ?

That way if you veer off course you can make adjustments, and soon you’ll be back on track. Again aim for progress not perfection, like I mentioned in my previous post Mindset is Everything, don’t be too hard on yourself.

After setting your goals if you need help how to achieve them, read my blog post on Personal Lifestyle Choices, all about habits.

Don’t rely on Motivation

Finally, remember don’t rely on motivation because motivation comes and goes. It’s about how to be consistent and to do it even if you don’t feel like it. If we wait until we feel like, it we may never do it. So Just do It!

To Summarise

Consistency requires persistence and patience. A habit becomes automatic after two months. Stick with it and you will reap the rewards. It’s simple but not easy. Remember “nothing of value is easy”.

Think of the “toilet roll analogy” if you ever feel you are hitting a plateau.

Setting goals is crucial to whether you succeed or fail. Set goals to give you direction and focus and make sure they are S.M.A.R.T. goals. Review them regularly.

Finally, do it whether you feel like it or not.

Enjoy your journey!

As always Living Agelessly

Kath