Mastering of Consistency as a Key to Success

Something I am working on recently, is consistency. As a wannabe entrepreneur with a fitness start-up, consistency is crucial.

Today, for example, I did not want to work. I figured I had been working a lot recently and it was not necessary to continue to push. In reality, I can lessen the load of work, take more time to do my chores, and spend a good amount of my day reading nonfiction. This will allow me to continue to make progress towards my goals.

Understanding Consistency

First, define consistency.

It is important to have a definition of consistency that works for you. Obviously, there are studies out there that demonstrate the effects of consistency. However, even studies can prove biased, unreliable, or invalid. What is not invalid is your opinion. Your idea and belief of consistency and how it relates to your personal and professional life is up to you. I know people who believe that work-life balance is in the grip of the weekend. In other words, they rely on the weekend to recharge. Personally, I don't rely on the weekend to recharge, and I space my work between all seven days of the week. This keeps me from burnout.

Benefits of Consistency

How consistency builds trust and credibility.

Consistency not only enhances your trust within yourself, allowing you to take risks, but it is perfect for keeping you credible.

You're credible when you walk the walk. Credibility is showing up even when things are not perfect, because that's the reality of life. You have to wake up, even if things are not going your way. You have to breathe. In the same way you have to show up for yourself personally and professionally. That makes you credible, to yourself and others.

Overcoming Obstacles to Consistency

Identifying common obstacles.

The obstacles I see most with my clients were discussed with me during NASM CPT training.

1. Not enough time

2. Unrealistic goals

3. Lack of social support

4. Social anxiety

5. Ambivalence

Ambivalence is the most common barrier to consistency.

Ambivalence occurs when you have mixed feelings about something. The truth in today's world, is that you need to try to clarify those feelings. It is yes, no, or not yet. Mixed feelings will lead to procrastination: which get you nowhere.

Start that business, go to school, pick up that hobby, clean that drawer, sign up for personal training, take that yoga class, do that consultation. No excuses.

Tips and Strategies for Maintaining Consistency

Set Realistic Goals

I use the SMART goal setting tactic. SMART = Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-Based.

Create Effective Habits

Reading nonfiction, working out, yoga for stress relief, meditation, journaling. My favorite is journaling.

Time Management

Frankly, this one I am still working on. Here's what I have been implementing:

1. Pomodoro technique.

2. Eat your frogs.

Consistency just means reaching for your goals every day. It never has to be more or less than that.

If reaching for your goals means taking a nap, so you are energized, take nap. If reaching for your goals is opting for the mocktail, opt for the mocktail. If reaching for your goals is signing up for a personal trainer, sign up for a personal trainer.

In your journey of consistency taking what you need to KEEP GOING is not a sign of weakness.

Peace,

Amanda "austuve" Bily