Be consistent

One of the biggest impediments to my clients’ successful [and satisfying] goal attainment is this: a lack of consistency.

And I get it. It can be hard to keep on going, when the first thrill of the initial effort has worn off.

• You start a blog and write every week for a few months but then you miss a few and then it turns into a month and [whoops!] it’s been a year since you last wrote, by which time it seems ridiculous and random to start again. So you just let it go.
• You commit to getting fit so you design a schedule and start with gusto but then winter hits and you have a few big nights [followed by a few seedy mornings] and the novelty wears off and it just seems too hard. So you stop.
• You decide to save for a three month sabbatical. So you set up a system and you start putting money away but then you have to dip into your savings for an unexpected expense and that one single time becomes another and another and [oh!] before you know it, you’re broke again. So you give up.

Consistency can be challenging because it really equates to keeping a promise to yourself. And unlike promises to others, there’s no-one but you, to keep yourself accountable. [Gah!]

But there are a few simple things that can help:

+ Goals: when setting your goals, aim for something that is a stretch [we know stretch goals are the most effective, long term]. But also make sure it is realistic, something that you’ll actually be able to commit to, long term. [If you don’t, you will start to think you’ve failed and that will negatively inform your belief in your future capacity for success.]

+ Values: connect your efforts to the bigger picture. [The blog isn’t just the blog, it’s the freedom that will come with being an established writer. The fitness isn’t just fitness, it’s the health that will support you to be an energetic mum. The sabbatical isn’t just a sabbatical, it’s the opportunity to live a life that is big and brave and curious.] And find a way to keep these values front of mind [a reminder that pops up in your phone. A photo pinned above your desk. A great screen saver image.]

+ Chunking: chunk down your long term goals. Instead of aiming for something in a year, focus on a 30-day achievement. Then at the 30 day mark: reevaluate where you are; celebrate your progress; set another milestone; and as always…write it down.

+ Tracking: keep focused on how you’re progressing. [It’s much easier to put in consistent effort when you can see that you’re making headway]. Tracking can be as simple as making a note in a diary or using one of the bazillion apps designed for just this purpose.

+ Rewards: build in some great rewards and reinforcements. [Remember – a reward is something you get when you perform the desired behaviour where a reinforcement encourages more of that behaviour.] The two often often overlap and they’re different for each person but they’re essential for keeping you  focused.

Consistent goal striving takes serious discipline but there is nothing like the thrill that comes with achieving a really big, brilliant goal. So good!

Tags: life-coaching, Melbourne