You Can’t Be Consistent If You Keep Failing to Commit to Yourself
The hardest lesson about consistency.
It’s same-same every day. You wake up, go to work, go home, go to sleep. You eat the same food every day for those of you on a diet. So easy, but yet boring as hell.
We’ve heard of the old tale “consistency is the key to success” but it’s also the key to killing innovation and without new ideas, well, the whole concept of growth is meaningless.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have taken time to study my habits, my success, my failures, and most importantly my routines. I have come to the conclusion that I’m an inconsistent human being.
I have always been.
Somehow I thought growing up has changed certain aspects of my life, but no, I’m still fickle when it comes to sticking to a routine. No matter how organized I plan or schedule my day, I often end up breaking my routines all the time.
This made me wonder, “does a life of consistency really exist?”
The whole idea of being consistent and building success is glamorous. Consistency links to habits that can negatively or positively change one’s behavior.
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When you’re consistent, you’ll build the momentum you need to motivate yourself and move forward. It also builds confidence and increases your credibility.
Most of our habits are unconscious. Habits consist of thoughts and behaviors embedded in our mind. The way we act is rooted in what we believe, so in order to change our behavior we must first change the way we think.
While a routine takes structure and consistency — and a lot of patience, which are all difficult to achieve in everyday life. I have found a way to stayed committed to my goals without living a consistent boring life.
Stop trying to control everything.
If you stray from your routine, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve lost control of the day. But when done with intention and self-awareness, breaking out of regular routines can be a powerful way to develop new ideas, break bad habits, adapt better to change, and collaborate more in a team environment.
Life is full of troubles. While having a problem-solving mindset is necessary, it just isn’t enough. Having a problem-solving mindset will reduce your imagination.
The possibilities of interpreting the action will be less. You should have a mindset that says yes to the possibility that something new, interesting, and creative may emerge.
Be open to new opportunities.
Our brains take shortcuts by relying on what is familiar. Usually, our routines are so ingrained that we don’t even think about it before we act.
Almost half of our daily habits usually occurs at the same time and in the same place. The best way to break a routine and look for new ideas is to literally put yourself in unfamiliar places and situations.
Fear is the one reason most people stick to a routine and remain stagnant. But, what distinguishes successful people from unsuccessful is their ability to take risks, no matter how scared they are.
Taking risks doesn’t always mean success, and that’s okay!
Taking risks can lead to failure, which in turn can help you grow as a person.
Many of life’s greatest accomplishments require you to step out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s about overcoming the shyness of performing on stage, investing money to grow your business, or having the chance to find love, some of life’s most rewarding experiences come from being part of the world — taking risks and challenging ourselves.
It is only when you consciously face your brain’s dependence on routines that you can imagine beyond its limits. Hence, find new opportunities in unimaginable places.
Focus on your goal, not the process.
I use this strategy when I workout.
I don’t take responsibility for the process because I know my routines will be interrupted. I take responsibility for the result I am trying to achieve.
After losing 40 pounds for about 6 months — adopting a particular diet and workout routine, I can clearly tell you that I felt miserable during these months.
Waking up at the same time, eating the same category of food, avoiding certain habits and doing almost the same exercise every day was the most boring experience I have ever had. Which I never want to repeat.
Focusing on my goal makes it easier for me to stay committed to my course. Instead of using half the energy and focus I have to plan a routine base life, I take one task and finish it in a shorter amount of time before moving on to another.
Although I don’t get as much done as I would if I followed a well structured routine life, at least I’m not miserable, I’m happy with my results and that’s enough.
Routine undoubtedly has its advantages — it helps us keep track of our goal, reduces distractions to the minimum and gives rhythm to a hectic life.
But take the time to break your routine and embrace the energy that flows from trying new things; the mistakes you make along the way can lead to your best results.
Focus on the goal you want to achieve, the process is something that you cannot control as there is no direct path to achieve anything and you will be much more relaxed and motivated to stay committed to a goal.
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