Consistency, Huh?

It Really Works

Here lately, I’ve heard a lot about the importance of consistency in the things we do or in the things we are trying to do or want to do. It seems with goals and plans, apparently the most important thing we can do is be consistent. So how are we to incorporate the habit of consistency into our lives and routines? If I want to learn a foreign language, for example, the most sure way of learning that language is to study it every single day….without fail. Or else I will fail.

So maybe you aren’t wanting to learn a new language. You may be wanting to lose weight or excercise regularly, or save money, or spend more time reading, or…….the list can go on and on. We each have our own unique desires of the things we’d really like to accomplish.

Below is a systematic list of things we can do to get moving in the right direction to reach our goals. Personally, I have several smaller goals, and a couple of rather large ones that I am trying to see realized. Through trial and error, I have figured out what works for me. The DAILY things that help me feel like I am making headway are the things that I have turned into habits. After the first few weeks of doing them, I don’t think about them at all. They are part of my day. But these small things are making such a huge difference because I quickly begin to see the results. Once I begin to notice the changes in myself or in my life, it sets me on fire! Then it is so easy to continue those daily habits because I know what will happen if I stop…..right back to where I started.

One day I realized that my days were filled with the same repetitive motions. Although I was getting so many mundane things accomplished each day, the projects and things I really wanted to do were still sitting there….on the back burner.

I’m sure you have heard the lesson about filling a jar with rocks, pebbles, and sand. It represents the necessity of prioritizing the most important things first (the rocks), then the next must-do things (the pebbles), and last the little things that take up our time (the sand). If we fill the jar with the sand first, there won’t be any room left for the rocks and pebbles. So the lesson? Don’t let all the little things, the busy work, and the time wasters steal all of your time and energy! When we let these things come first, there isn’t much left over for the things that make life worth living: our family, our friends, our dreams.

Following the seven steps will help chart a new coarse for your life and help your future resemble something closer to what’s in your dreams.

STEP 1 Start. Name your goal and go!

Stake your claim! You must identify exactly what it is you are after! Don’t be vague. Clearly define where you want to go, what you want to change, how you want to be.

EXAMPLE: “I want to be more frugal and save money. Over the next year, I want to save $3,000".”

STEP 2 Capture the Vision.

Ask yourself, “What if I really did DO IT?” Then try to imagine what it would look like if you accomplished your goal. Imagination is a powerful thing. When we really begin seeing ourselves in a different place or position or condition, our minds come to accept it as a real possibility.

EXAMPLE: “It would be really nice to have a savings account. That money could serve as an emergency fund in case my car needed repairs or if I had to miss work.”

STEP 3 Understand it will require time.

The time is going to pass regardless, you can be sure. Ask yourself: In six months, do I want to find myself right where I am now, with nothing changed?

EXAMPLE: “It will take time to accumulate any real savings. But week by week, I can watch my account grow.”

“Don’t let the fear of the time it will take to accomplish something stand in the way of your doing it. The time will pass anyway; we might just as well put that passing time to the best possible use”

— Earl Nightingale

STEP 4

Set a deadline or a mile marker.

Setting some timelines will help the goal become concrete.

When we hold ourselves accountable by setting deadlines, not only are we encouraged to do the things needed to meet the deadline, but the goal also becomes more real to us, more tangible. We hope, wish, dream. Only when we begin to act is there any chance of success.

EXAMPLE: “If I continue handling my money as I have been, in six months I will still have no savings. If I begin now saving $60 each week, in six months I’ll $1,500!”

STEP 5

Stay Focused.

Push through even on the days when you “don’t feel like it”. Not in the mood? Prod yourself to spend some time, it’s better than no time. Set a small reward for yourself for doing what needs to be done.

Example: “It’s going to be hard sometimes not to spend money on the things I really do not need. But I am determined to resist temptation so I can save.”

STEP 6

Eyes on the prize and keep going!

If you slip, trip, or stagger, realize that you DID NOT FALL. Your goals require the long game. One day or one set back doesn’t determine the outcome. Your consistency over time will dictate your success. Recognize those distractions and old habits that can derail you! Even the negativity and behavior of others can influence your attitude and actions. Continue to hold yourself to the standards you have set, then you will be on your way to seeing results and changes.

EXAMPLE: “I really should have stayed at home last night instead of going out with my friends. I spent money that I was wanting to save. From now on, no more going out on week nights.”

STEP 7

Start reaping the benefits.

This is your incentive to keep going. Seeing the results becomes energy for you! This can happen a lot quicker than you may think. Once you begin to recognize changes and progress, you will be much more likely to resist quitting or slacking.

EXAMPLE: “After three weeks, I already have $200 in my savings! It is exciting each week to see the balance in my account increase! If only I had begun this sooner!”

I hope you will start following these steps today! Your life can become more of what you want it to be. You are in control of more than you may think. Set the habits! Make the changes! Reap the rewards!

When we continue to live our lives the same, the same they will be.

When we dare to step up and make a change, a change we shall see.