3 Tips to Being Consistently Consistent

Going to change things up a little this week because it's week three.  I've seen lots of week threes in challenge groups and this is the make it or break it, because you'll either create that habit in 21 days or you'll go back to your old  ways and "fall off the wagon".  It was a pivotal week in my own journey because here I learned consistency and discipline.

This post was inspired by Chalene's podcast Consistently Consistent and I highly recommend you listen to it.

Being consistent doesn't mean you have to be perfect.  You DON'T need to workout 365 days a year and never eat a donut in your life to be consistent.  It is simply a general move forward.  It's making progress in the right direction even when you have those bad days, you press through and try again the following day.  This saying bottles it up perfect... Progress not perfection.

Consistency, discipline and accountability are not generally innate or natural to us.  When the going gets tough or things get boring or we start feeling doubt and failure, it's easy to quit.  BUT consistency is a skill and it can be learned and developed!  How?  With these three tips.

1.  Tell yourself you are going to do this!

Affirmations are so powerful.  Don't set yourself up failure with your words.  If you say that you can't ever give up junk food, you're right you've already told yourself you can't!  It's hard to stop this habit, so whenever you start doubting your abilities I want you to say five affirmations to yourself.  You can control craving.  You can find time to workout.  You do have time for a 10 minute devotional.  You can do this!

2. Focus on the Feeling
If you want to be consistent you have to make that conscious decision and remember that feeling it makes you feel.  When you don't feel like working out, don't think about the workout, but focus on how good it will feel afterwards!  When you want to eat the entire pecan Cinnabon glazed with extra caramel, focus on how heavy you'll feel afterwards and instead opt for a bite instead of the whole thing.

3.  Accountability
If you're in this month's group, you have already witnessed how essential accountability is to success.  Having a buddy to walk this fitness journey with you makes it easier.  Accountability can even be as simple as writing your goals down for the week and posting it where you will see it everyday.  Or setting a timer on your phone to remind you when you said you would work out.  Find an to accountability partner or learn ways to keep yourself accountable.
[Shameless plug for our next groups starting Aug 31st and Sep 7th]

When I learned how to be consistent in taking care of my body it actually transferred to other areas in my life, especially my faith.  Why?  Because with relationship you to have to be consistent.  I've been diligent in my pursuit for God and it's been amazing.  I may not get to read my devotional or pray every single day, but each week I do spend a little time with him just like I do with my kids and husband .  I'm disciplined about keeping our relationships strong and close.  Consistency is KEY.  

"For physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come... Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.  Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers"  1 Timothy 4:10-15

As you learn to be consistent with your fitness journey my hope is it also transfers to other areas of your life, like your faith or even the relationships you have with family and friends.

Until next time.  Toodles! 

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