Consistency is Hard: Our Favorite 3 Tips to Keep Going

Consistency is hard to master, and we often get bored even when we know something is good for us. Variety, balance, and accountability can really help.

Last week, we talked about the importance of building a consistent morning schedule. This week, we’re talking about the challenges with being and staying consistent, and what you can do about it.

We all have habits and hobbies that we know are beneficial for our well-being. Whether it’s exercising, reading, practicing a musical instrument, or eating healthy, these activities bring joy and fulfillment to our lives. However, many of us struggle to maintain consistency and worry about falling off track. The key to overcoming this challenge lies in introducing variety and creating accountability systems. In this blog post, we’ll explore how varying your workouts and building balance can enhance consistency, as well as share practical tips and tricks for incorporating accountability systems into your routines.

One important note – these ideas are broadly applicable, and go beyond just exercising. We’re a gym, so we focus a lot on that, but these ideas can apply to whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish. And as we discussed in our last post, whatever you choose to focus on must be personally meaningful for you.

Embrace Variety to Drive Consistency

One common reason for losing consistency in habits and hobbies is monotony. Doing the same thing repeatedly can lead to boredom and a lack of motivation. By introducing variety, you can keep your interest levels high and prevent the onset of staleness. For example, if your exercise routine consists solely of lifting weights, try incorporating other activities such as cycling, climbing, or kickboxing. This not only provides physical benefits but also engages different muscle groups, preventing overuse injuries.

Additionally, varying your workouts can lead to improved overall fitness. Different exercises target different aspects of fitness, such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. By incorporating a well-rounded mix of activities, you ensure holistic development and reduce the risk of plateauing or hitting a performance wall.

Simple idea: Take one new exercise class this week that you’ve never tried.

Embrace Variety to Drive Consistency

Another essential aspect of sustaining consistency in habits and hobbies is finding balance. Often, people dive headfirst into a new pursuit, dedicating all their time and energy to it. While this initial enthusiasm is commendable, it can lead to burnout and make it difficult to maintain the habit over the long term.

To build balance, consider diversifying your interests and allocating time for multiple activities. This not only prevents monotony but also allows for recovery and rejuvenation. For instance, if you’re passionate about playing the guitar, balance it with regular exercise, spending time with loved ones, or engaging in other creative hobbies. Striking a balance between different areas of your life fosters overall well-being and increases the likelihood of staying consistent – plus, it makes you more well-rounded and gives you an opportunity to discover purpose and meaning in places you otherwise may not have looked.

Simple idea: Write down 3-5 things that really matter to you, and put it on a sticky note in a place you can see it. Then, spend 30 minutes every day doing just two of these things that matter to you.

Foster Accountability through Building Systems

Accountability plays a vital role in maintaining consistency. When we’re solely accountable to ourselves, it’s easier to let excuses and distractions derail our progress. To counteract this, consider implementing accountability systems that keep you on track.

One effective method is finding a workout buddy or joining a group with shared interests. Exercising or pursuing hobbies with others provides built-in accountability and creates a supportive environment. You can set goals together, check-in regularly, and motivate each other to stay consistent (it’s the “friends don’t let friends skip leg day” mentality).

Alternatively, technology can be a powerful accountability tool. You’re probably reading this on your phone right now – so, there are numerous apps and online platforms allow you to track your progress, set reminders, and receive notifications. It’s not as powerful as human accountability, but digital support systems can ensure that you stay committed to your habits and hobbies even when external motivation is lacking. One app to consider is Squad – a group accountability tracking app.

Simple idea: Set a daily alarm in your iPhone that rings around the time you want to workout. Better yet, coordinate the time with a friend and text them at the same time to join you.

That’s it – now go do it

Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining beneficial habits and hobbies. By embracing variety in your workouts and seeking balance in your pursuits, you can prevent boredom, enhance overall fitness, and ensure long-term commitment. Additionally, implementing accountability systems, whether through workout buddies or iPhone reminders, can provide the necessary motivation and support to stay on track.

Remember, habits and hobbies are meant to enrich your life, not become burdensome obligations. By incorporating variety and accountability, you can transform them into enjoyable and sustainable parts of your daily routine. So, let go of your worries and embark on a journey of consistency, variety, and growth in your chosen pursuits.