For any form of
success, you need consistency. Consistency is the key to achieve what you
desire. But, we all know that it is hard to be consistent. Sometimes we feel
like giving up, we get engrossed in our short term needs and forget about our
long term goals. As said earlier, being consistent is hard but it is not
impossible. Below are some of the tips that can help you be consistent with
some kind of ease and motivation.
1. Clarity towards your goals
You have to set some realistic goals with
clarity in it. You can't vaguely set goals like "Working hard is my
goal" or "I want to lose weight". These are plain goals with no
form for it. You have to mention what you are going to work hard? Are you
planning to put in extra hours of work? Or are you going to develop your skillset? Or are you making a passive income? You have to have a specific measurable
goal.
Let
me give you a clear example, I have set a goal to lose weight and I start going
to the gym from tomorrow. I will tend to work out for one week and give up or I
will feel bored to hit the gym. Because I don't have a clear goal. I just
wanted to lose weight, but I never know how much and when should I lose weight.
This will make the mind feel clumsy about my goal and I will have no motivation
to continue. So my goal goes to the dustbin!
2. Break down your larger goals
Our mind works efficiently if we process
information in chunks. Let's again take the example of losing weight (I will be using this example all through the
article because most of us lose our consistency when it comes to weight loss
or gain) Now I have a clear goal to lose 10 kgs of weight in 3 months.
But, if I place this large goal in front of my mind, it will not accept it
since it seems large. There will be so many doubts arising and eventually your
mind will give up again.
So,
we should learn to break our larger goals into smaller ones. Now if I break my
goal into chunks, I will have a weekly goal to exercise 5 days a week and a
monthly goal to lose 3 kgs. Once, I have achieved my weekly goal of
exercising for 5 days I will have a sense of achievement and will move towards
the next chunk with enthusiasm.
Having
smaller goals and achieving it will also enable your mind to have the dopamine
rush frequently which will help the mind to be more involved in your goal.
3. Keep track of the progress
It is important to know that you are improving. I have a consistency tracker which
I roughly designed to keep track of my workout routine and eating habits. Plan
your days ahead and schedule a time to dedicate to your goals. If you do so,
you will know that you are improving day by day.
4. Reward yourself
If you do complete your goals, give
yourself a reward. Even small goals deserve small rewards to help keep you motivated
throughout the process. If you have been consistent for one whole month with
your goal then just take daybreak lying on the bed and Netflixing. Or go out
to have the food you like. Just small rewards to boost your level of motivation
will keep you going.
5. Be Accountable
Sometimes, you may not achieve your
goal for the week or month. You should stop and ask yourself why were you not
consistent and what can you do to improve yourself.
Also, stop blaming
others/things when you are not able to achieve your goal. Don't blame the
weather for not hitting the gym. You have the willpower to do anything you set your
heart on. So, don't point your finger rather accept your mistake and try to
improvise.
6. Take time to recharge
Being consistent does not mean that
you have to keep working always. You have to take rest to take care of your
personal needs.
In fact, if you give
yourself time off, you’ll improve your productivity and avoid burning out.
Schedule in time for yourself, and don’t let work or other commitments get in
the way.
7. Keep going even if you made a
mistake
Everyone might slip
away from the schedule once in a while. Don't be hard on yourself. Sometimes,
you have to forgive yourself.
Just because you had
to cancel an appointment, break a promise, or pass a deadline doesn’t mean
you’re not consistent. Sometimes, despite our best planning, external factors
can get in the way.
8. Keep going even if you don't
feel like
The real power of consistency kicks in here.
You have to have will power if you need to be consistent. You have to learn to
lean towards performing even if you don't feel like it. You should hit the gym
even if you have a hundred reasons, not to workout. Your will power should be
stronger than your excuses.
9. Be patient enough to see the
changes
Whenever you try to
establish new habits, understand that it can take time. Instead of uprooting
your life with several new practices at once, allow yourself time to figure out
what works. Be realistic with what you can expect to see over time.
Just working out for
a month and expecting to lose 10 kgs is unrealistic. You have to train your
mind to be patient and keep going.
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