Hello! Today, we’re going to talk about something that’s crucial for your success – consistency.
The Consistency Equation
Consistency can be boiled down to a simple equation: Proper Preparation + a Confident & Focused Mindset = Consistency. This equation transcends age, competitive level, and context. It’s an ongoing process that helps us create and establish productive habits.
How to Up Your Probability of being Consistent
Here are a few things to consider to achieve a more consistent pattern of behaviors:
- Establish what You Need to be Prepared:
- Make a list of what you need to do to be fully prepared for your training or performance.
- Evaluate Your Effort:
- The amount of effort we put in is our choice. Make a commitment to yourself that you will bring all you have at every workout, training session, and performance.
- Engage in Regular and Productive Self-Talk:
- Constantly remind yourself of what needs to be done in the present moment. This can help you stay on task.
- Understand that there will be Obstacles:
- There are many things that are outside of our control. By understanding that our thoughts and feelings are subjective and temporary, we can work through our anxieties and doubts.
- Pay Attention to the Little Things:
- Our ability to pay attention to the details will add up and work in our favor. Success comes from what you do on a regular basis.
- Set Short Term Goals:
- Document something that you want to accomplish every day, every week, every month. These shorter-term goals can help us keep our mind on track while working toward our long-term goals.
When in Doubt
When in doubt, lean on these phrases to instill consistent habits*:
- If you are “not feeling like it”… do it anyway.
- Feelings drive behaviour
- If you are “feeling a little down”… do it anyway.
- If you are “busy”… do it anyway.
- Everyone is Busy. Busy isn’t something to be proud of.
- If you are “tired or sluggish”… do it anyway.
- If you are “feeling good”… do it anyway.
- If you are “unmotivated”… do it anyway.
- If you are “on vacation”… do it anyway
- To a certain extent of course.
- If you are “unsure”… do it anyway.
- Take the first logical step.
- If you “find yourself making excuses”… do it anyway.
- Or – replace ‘do it anyway’ with ‘just for today’.
*(Unless of course you are sick/ill, injured, or burnt out – then follow your recovery protocol and listen to your body)
Remember, consistency is the secret to long-term success. It might be hard work and discipline, but it’s worth it. Keep going – even just for today – and you’ll see the results of your consistency.