Consistency: the Game-Changing Ingredient for Your Health

Do you struggle to stay the course while moving towards a goal? Do you feel that you have to do it perfectly or it’s not even worth trying?

I get you. I lived in that all or nothing mindset, especially when it came to my “diet du jour.” If I couldn’t do it perfectly, something was clearly wrong with me. If I ate something that wasn’t allowed, I would call myself a screw up and spiral completely out of control. “I’ve already messed up, might as well keep eating junk.”

Sound familiar?

I had to do a lot of healing work to give myself permission to not beat myself up whenever I made a choice to indulge. I had to learn that it’s not about perfection. The real power is in consistency in the day-to-day – making the next right choice 9 times out of 10.

This is easier said than done, of course.

Learning to be consistent is just like any other skill you want to learn. It takes practice and time. And, it can be challenging for various reasons.

Overwhelming Goals: Often, we set big and overwhelming goals that can be difficult to sustain. Breaking them down into smaller (and I mean stupid simple small), manageable steps will make the journey less daunting. See my YouTube video for help on this and get your goal setting guide below. For example: I have a goal to get my butt to the gym 5 days a week because I want to hit the 250 classes board this year. That’s a big number. But, it starts by setting a goal to put out my workout clothes every night before bed.
Lack of Planning: Without a clear plan, it’s easy to get lost along the way. A plan is like your GPS helping you get from point A to point B. Planning your meals, workouts, and rest days in advance can help you stay organized and focused. You will never “find time” for your goals. You must “make time” by prioritizing them in your calendar. Those time blocks in your calendar are like waypoints on the road guiding you in the right direction.
Impatience and Instant Gratification: We live in a microwave culture where waiting for results can be tough. It’s important to remember that sustainable changes take time. Celebrate small victories along the way. Did you put your gym shoes by your bed? High five! ✋ Did you remember to thaw your protein for dinner? High five! ✋ Did you drink 1-2 glasses of water before coffee? High five! ✋

Here are five simple ways to overcome these challenges and foster consistency in your health journey:

Set Small, Realistic and Achievable Goals: Start with small, achievable goals that align with your long-term vision. As you accomplish these milestones, you’ll build confidence and momentum to tackle more significant challenges. Want to run a mile? Start by walking up and down your driveway. Then up and down your street. Then walking a mile. Then running for 15 seconds, then 30, then a minute, and so on. I’m talking about really, really small micro-goals.
Make Time to Plan: Set a time in your calendar to schedule out a plan for the week ahead. (I do this on Saturday mornings before everyone else is up and moving.) Develop a detailed plan outlining your weekly meals, workout routines, or self-care practices. Having a roadmap will help you navigate potential obstacles and make it easier to stay on course.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share similar health goals. Whether it’s a workout buddy, a supportive friend, or an online community, having a support system can make the journey more enjoyable and less isolating. If you nee a support system, just let me know!
Embrace Flexibility: Plan for the unexpected. Know that there will be days when kids get sick, the car won’t start, and you’ll get stuck in traffic. Life is unpredictable, and flexibility is key to maintaining consistency. Allow room for adjustments in your plan and learn to adapt to unforeseen circumstances without derailing your progress. An off day doesn’t have to mean an off week, month, or year. I always love to ask, “If I could, how would I?” It opens up the possibilities and opportunity to look at things differently. And, if I can’t, then I ask, “Did I do my reasonable best to make it happen?” If the answer is yes, then I’m ok with the outcome.
Celebrate Your Wins and Learn from Mistakes: Acknowledge and celebrate every small victory on your journey. Whether it’s completing a challenging workout, resisting unhealthy temptations, or achieving a personal best – these moments are worth recognizing and will fuel your consistency. Learn to love clapping for yourself! And when – not if – you make a choice you aren’t happy with, learn from it. See my post about Changing Your Perspective.

Just like with anything else, you can learn to be consistent by practicing consistency. I know you’ll come to find it’s the secret ingredient that transforms goals from aspirations into tangible achievements. By understanding the common hurdles and incorporating these five simple strategies, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and stay committed to your goals.

Remember, small steps lead to big results. Keep moving forward. I promise you’ll get there.