Why You Aren’t Consistent: Why Consistency is Hard and How to Make it Work for You
Discover the Secrets to Unlocking Consistency!
Here are my four practical approaches that can make consistency more attainable. Whether you’re trying to stick with a fitness routine, write that book, or build new habits, these tips could be the breakthrough you need.
Start by Asking the Right Questions
One of my pet peeves is when people ask online “Why am I not motivated?” When we struggle with consistency, we often look for quick-fix solutions like finding an accountability partner or downloading a new app. However, this doesn’t always address the root cause.
Our challenges stem from something deeper, such as a disconnect between the task and what personally motivates us.
Start reframing your questions. Instead of asking, “How can I get motivated?” try exploring, “Why do I struggle with consistency in this area?” Identifying the underlying reason will help you create systems that support your unique needs.
For example, I used to struggle with maintaining a gym routine. As a former athlete, I trained with a clear purpose: improving my performance. Once that purpose was gone, I found it hard to stay motivated. I realized I had to reframe my “why.” I shifted my mindset to focus on how regular exercise helps me manage my back pain, making workouts feel like an investment in my well-being, rather than a chore.
3. Set Actionable, Enjoyable Goals
A major obstacle to consistency is setting vague or overly ambitious goals.
Break it down: Instead of a goal like “Finish my dissertation,” break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, you could set a goal to write for 20 minutes four days a week. This small, actionable step makes it much easier to build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Make it enjoyable: It’s also crucial to enjoy the process. Find ways to look forward to working on your goals, whether it’s listening to a favorite playlist while writing or setting up a cozy, inviting workspace. When we create an enjoyable environment for our tasks, showing up becomes easier.
2. Adapt to Your Evolving Self
The hustle culture we see online often pushes the idea that grit and discipline are the ultimate keys to success. While these qualities are essential, they shouldn’t come at the cost of our well-being. Life changes, and so do we: our approach to consistency must evolve, too.
In college, I could pull all-nighters and still perform well. But as I got older, I realized my body and mind no longer responded the same way to those late-night study sessions. Rather than force myself into outdated habits, I learned to create a routine that respects my current energy levels. Create systems and routines that sync with your current body, psychology, and circumstances.
Embrace your evolution and be willing to adjust your habits to fit who you are today.
One way to stay engaged is to set mini-challenges within your goals. For example, when TikTok’s “lucky girl” trend was popular, it motivated me to stay consistent for a week purely because it was fun. If there is a particular challenge that would spark joy for a particular task, then go for it! And don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work for the following week. Sometimes, small changes in how we approach tasks can reinvigorate our routines.
4. Find Community and Support
One of the biggest consistency killers is going it alone.
Over the past year, I found myself struggling to stay motivated with my PhD work. I realized this was partly because I had lost the supportive academic community I once had. Surrounding yourself with people who share your goals or understand your journey can make a huge difference.
If you’re finding it hard to stay consistent, seek out a community or support system. This could be a writing group, a fitness class, or study sessions with friends. The sense of camaraderie and mutual support can make a lonely process feel more fulfilling and less daunting.
Final Thoughts
Building consistency is challenging, but by understanding your motivations, adjusting to your personal needs, setting actionable goals, and finding a supportive community, it becomes more achievable. Consistency isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up in a way that aligns with your values and capabilities. So, take it one step at a time, and remember: you don’t have to do it alone.
Let me know which tips resonated with you, and if you have any additional strategies for building consistency, please share in the comments below!
