It starts with a commitment
How to become more consistent? Start with one goal or project at a time at first and make the decision out loud, in your head, and on paper that you are committed to seeing this through from start to finish. This is important because if you start with multiple projects at once, your chances to really laser focus on each one diminishes. The old expression “If you chase two rabbits you will not catch either one” comes to mind. Then decide how often you will work on this project or do this activity. If your goal is to start exercising then pick the days of the week that you will work out and commit to it. If you can only fit in three days of physical activity then that is what you commit to. Put it in your calendar and stick to it. The simple process of making a promise to yourself and carrying it out does two things. It will tell your brain that yes, you are the type of person that stays committed and it will make your new activity a habit.
Acknowledge to yourself that this is a new way of learning and that you will see it through the good, bad,, and the ugly.
5 Steps to Becoming and Staying Consistent
- Plan for it. Set aside 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted quiet time to plan for your journey. It may only take you 5 minutes however if you stop for phone calls, reading a quick text, answering emails etc, it may end up taking much longer and you will not have the concentration that you need to do this correctly. Get out a notebook or planner and write down what it is you will be starting and why. You can go back later and put it in your phone if you wish, but the act of writing it on paper seals the deal you are making with yourself.
- Get with like-minded people. Accountability does wonders to keep us on track. Find a group either online or in person with other individuals who are doing the same thing. Be sure to check in daily and contribute to the group by sharing your experiences or asking questions.
- Make it a habit! When you make something part of your routine, it becomes a habit. I love using a Habit Tracker! I start with a fresh Habit Tracker each month and write in the areas I am currently working on. For example, the month before I had down on my tracker to meditate for 10 minutes each day. I stayed consistent and by the end of the month it became a new habit. (I purchased my Habit Tracker on Etsy)
- Do it anyway! I am just telling you now, there will be multitude of obstacles and excuses that will be thrown in your path. Develop a no matter what attitude and do it anyway. If you have to change the length of your workout or switch it to the evening, then do it. You will be filled with an incredible sense of accomplishment for carrying out your commitment instead of being left with the crappy feeling of not doing it at all.
- Reward yourself! If you achieve an entire month or even two weeks of being consistent, then give yourself a treat. Pick the reward at the start of your new program to have something to work towards that will bring you joy. Be sure to choose a reward that will not sabotage your efforts. For example, if your goal is to start running three days a week for weight loss, then perhaps pick a massage for your reward instead of a hot fudge sundae.
Remember to have fun and do not be too hard on yourself. If you fall off the consistency wagon, simply get back up and start again. You got this!
