5 Questions to Ask Yourself on the Journey to Consistency

Consistency can be overwhelming. We're already juggling work deadlines, managing finances, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life. And oh yeah — self-care. I know how it goes: you start strong and energized by the newness of your wellness goals.

Meal prepping Sundays become your new ritual, the yoga studio is your second home, and journal pages are your new best friends. Then, real life hits again. Deadlines loom, social outings arise, your period knocks you out of the day and suddenly, your meticulously crafted routine feels like a hope & a dream.

Here's what I tell my health coaching clients: The truth is, consistency can be defined differently for each person. It also difers in its definition depending on your capacity, priorities, and what season you’re in within life. Falling off or scaling back is a normal part of the process. It doesn't signify failure; it simply highlights that other areas of life required more of your focus and energy at the time.

You can always revisit and reset your goals whenever you decide. The key is to develop do-able strategies that help you breakthrough that resistance and get back on track:

Building Sustainable Habits: You Don’t Have To Be So Hard On Yourself

Forget the "all or nothing" mentality and the pressure to maintain what honestly feels unrealistic for you. Let's explore some real-life tools to help you build sustainable habits, even when things get hectic or hard.

5 High-Impact Questions to Ask Yourself and Be More Consistent:

1. What Does Consistency Look Like for ME in Relation to My Goal?

   This is the key question. Forget the unrealistic expectations you see online. Define consistency for yourself in the context of your specific goal. Maybe it's sticking to 3 gym sessions a week, even if they're shorter than planned. Perhaps it's meal prepping for 3 days instead of 7. Be honest about your lifestyle and what you can realistically maintain over time. Build from this baseline and remember, progress, not perfection, is the goal!

2. What has helped me be consistent in other areas in the past?

   Think back to times you've successfully stuck to a routine – maybe it was mastering a new skill, learning a language, or following a budget. What strategies did you use to stay motivated? Did you set clear goals and track your progress? Did you reward yourself for reaching milestones? Reflecting on past successes can help you identify transferable tactics for your wellness journey.

3. What's One Habit I Can Simplify?

   Complexity is the enemy of consistency. Can you streamline your routine by prepping your workout clothes the night before? Packing healthy snacks for work helps you avoid vending machine temptations. Simplifying these details removes friction points that can derail your best intentions.

4. Am I Prioritizing the Right Things?

   It's okay to adjust your plan! Maybe you're trying to squeeze in a 7-day-a-week workout schedule when your body (and schedule) needs more rest. And perhaps that rest will give you more energy to sustain change. Take a step back and assess if your goals truly align with your life and what truly matters to you.

5. Who Can Support Me?

   We all could use someone positive in our corner. Do you have a friend who can be your workout buddy? Can you join an online community focused on health and wellness? Build a support system that fosters accountability and keeps you motivated.

   If you’re looking support, consider working with a virtual health coach like me — as a wellness coach, I help you achieve your health goals in a way that feels manageable & personalized. Together, we focus on mindset and behavior change to keep you moving forward.

   Wondering if health coaching is right for you? Explore resources or schedule a no-charge discovery call.

   Remember, building sustainable habits is a journey of self-discovery and adaptation. Be patient with yourself, get clear on your goals, and don't hesitate to seek support!