On Consistency
Like a mosaic made up of hundreds (or thousands) of small pieces, reaching an end goal or result is an amalgamation of hundreds (or thousands) of consistent efforts. Whether you are looking to improve a specific technique in training or have a healthier relationship with your body, our goals can be achieved through consistency.
Consistency is the ability to do something in the same (or similar) way over time. Thankfully, this is not an innate ability limited to some people; it is a skill that anyone can develop even if being consistent in the past was difficult to achieve. Another highlight of consistency is that it can be achieved through small actions and changes, which are more realistic and achievable than grand, singular events. Small, consistent actions are not only “easier” but they also allow you to build more self-awareness and autonomy. When you are in control of what you do, you are more likely to discover and acknowledge your needs, strengths, weaknesses, and achievements. By consistently doing and observing your actions, you can also understand what’s working and what’s not. It becomes easier to distinguish between the right and wrong approach when you have plenty of information to compare your efforts to, whereas when you only rely on random, sporadic changes, it is almost impossible to compare with very little information.
So how do you actually become consistent? By taking the easy way. Yes, the key is not to “do more” but by making things as convenient as possible. Try the following tips to help you become more consistent with your goals:
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Narrow down your big goals into small, actionable steps. If one of your big goals is to improve your mental health through exercise after years of inactivity, instead of setting a goal to train everyday for one hour for the whole year (a.k.a. a bigger, more difficult goal), which may be difficult because of work and family schedules, instead commit at least two to three days a week of training for the next three months (a.k.a. a smaller, more actionable goal).
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When things are convenient, it’s harder to make excuses not to do them. Returning to the consistent training example, you can pack your gym bag and put it in your car so you can go right after work or share your workout schedule with family so they don’t plan anything that conflicts with your training.
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“If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”
-African Proverb
Accountability means having someone who helps you stay on track and supports you— it does not mean someone who punishes or belittles you for making mistakes. It is easier to make changes when you are surrounded by others who understand your journey and who can provide honest, helpful feedback. A good accountability partner will encourage you to continue the behaviors that bring you closer to your goals, and have the patience and compassion to help you overcome challenges. For example, your accountability partner can be a training partner in class. You remind each other to attend the same classes and if one of you misses class, the other shares a workout routine or tips learned from the missed class.
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“To err is human.”
-Alexander Pope
Mistakes will happen and you may revert back to old habits. And that’s ok :) Give yourself the grace to accept you are not perfect while maintaining your resolve to make a change. Instead of giving up and abandoning your goals after forgetting or failing to practice your new habits, try again.
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Sometimes the original plan become difficult to follow through due to uncontrollable circumstances. Like mistakes, the unexpected can and will happen. What’s important is we find a way to make similar steps to account for the new changes. What if a new work schedule makes it difficult to train in class 3 times a week? Instead of stopping your exercise routine, continue training 2 days a week and on the third day, go for a run.
“Little by little, a little becomes a lot.”
T A N Z A N I A N P R O V E R B
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• Girls Gone Strong. “Better Results in Less Time: Day 5 Consistency and Accountability.” n.d.
• Scritchfield, Rebecca. “Body Kindness.” Workman Publishing. 2016.