The Tool of Consistency
Consistency, something easy to talk about, set as a goal and looks great on paper but when it comes down to it, it’s one of the toughest things to achieve in almost any area of life. I’m not striving for perfection here, which if you know me, perfection is almost ingrained into my being, I’m just striving for 80/20 or maybe even 70/30.
I have to meet myself where I’m at in my life. And being perfect in anything right now or ever, is just not in the cards but I know that I’m trying like hell to achieve my dreams and goals and that’s all that truly matters. The self-doubt creeps in trying to make it difficult to see where to start or if there is even a finish. We all have these demons trying to prevent us from achieving what we set our minds to and a tool in defeating these is consistency which is why it can be so difficult to obtain. Now I know full well that there are people out there that have no issues with remaining consistent at certain things but it’s not the majority. These past few months have really tested my resolve to keep going towards the things I’ve been working towards.
Thoughts like “You’re not good enough.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Who’s going to listen to someone that looks like you?” Are all thoughts that have cycled through my mind over and over again along with many others, and I’m slowly learning how to tune out the noise and shut the nasty self-critic down. This has been and still is an ongoing process of learning, trusting and believing in myself. Realizing I need to be my biggest supporter and just shut the negativity out!
Consistency is a struggle but it’s one I’m going to win! I have done really well with consistent bedtimes and wake times 4-5 days out of the week so that’s a win! However, getting off my devices, especially my phone, ½ -1 hour before bed has not been successful, I’ve only achieved that maybe 1 or 2 days a week. I know the benefits of not being on your phone while in bed but I just can’t get my brain to shut it down and let it go, so something I’m definitely going to continue working on. So February is going to be continuing with the sleep routine I’m creating and trying to get myself to 3 solid nights per week of getting off my phone or iPad prior to heading to bed. I’m also focusing on more daily movement for the month, so my powerlifting workouts along with 1-2 days a week of steady-state cardio and increasing my step count weekly. I’m working towards a specific goal and since I’m fighting perimenopause and the hormonal chaos that ensues I’m going to set myself up for as much success as possible by doing things that I know will continue to help me in the long run.
This journey is singular as we each have to walk our own paths in achievement and what we deem successful in life but it can help to know that others struggle with the same things you do or maybe they are a bit further along in their journeys and can offer some words of encouragement or helpful tips. I hope to be a source of inspiration as well as light in the darkness that can be all consuming if you allow yourself to fall too far down the hole. Always remember there are many out here willing to help and be that step you need to climb out and keep or start that upward momentum toward achieving your dreams.
Remember, consistency is a tool to be used in this journey of life, not a destination as it will always be something you need to continually work towards.
