I’m in the process of changing my life. It has been an exhausting, long journey. There have been moments where I’ve made several steps forward. There have also been moments where I fall several steps back. In the 5 years that I’ve spent working towards debt freedom I’ve learned several important lessons…but, the most important one is consistency is everything. And, without consistency, there is no way you will achieve your goals.
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Consistency is the Kryptonite
Of every person trying to achieve a huge goal. Whether it’s weight loss, earning more, paying off debt, or meeting “The One” you” you need to be consistent. Working out every day, paying small amounts on your debts as often as you can, or going out so that you can meet more people.
Most people fail at recognizing how crucial consistency is. In fact, it’s no surprise that people who are consistent always pull out ahead from “the pack.” But, it’s so freaking hard to achieve…until you do.
My Story
I’m very close to paying off the rest of my unsecured debts hopefully by the end of summer. I’m very aware that I could have paid off those debts faster. If I hadn’t
- Travled
- Half-a@@ed hustled
- Gotten sick
- Gotten distracted
- Quit my job
Let’s be honest, the list is long. I’ve also noticed that during different points in my life when I’m focused, really focused, amazing things start to happen. I earn more money, I meet more people, I lose weight. The thing that I’ve learned about consistency is that 3 things have to happen to commit to it:
- You’re sick and tired of the results that you’re getting.
- You…DECIDE
- You remove your excuses
When you decide to become consistent you will stomp on excuses, remove obstacles, and see only the results that you’re working towards. But, you will also notice that at the same time weird stuff will start to happen to keep you from being consistent. The Universe will conspire against you to make sure that you’re truly committed to achieving the goal that you’re focused on. The Universe will mess with you…just because it can.
Right Now
I’m in that moment where the Universe is trying to “try me.” It’s not lost on me that the moment when I’ve decided to commit to being consistent, put myself “out there” and finish working on goals that I’ve focused on for years that all sorts of crazy has begun to happen.
But, the opposite is also true. I’m starting to connect with more opportunities, I’m earning more money, and I’ve finally begun to lose some weight. This year I’ve decided that I have no interest in excuses-I just want my results. I want to flip the page on this chapter in my life and move on.
I’m done.
But, I recognize that I’m very human. I get distracted, I make excuses, basically…I get in my own way. If you’re like me, you need to set up systems for success for those moments when the Universe “tries” you.
Here are a list of tools and systems I use to make sure I keep focused on my results no matter what happens.
- Vision Board-I keep my Vision Board in an easy to access space so that I am always focused on working towards my goals.
- I spent some time looking at my schedule and built in opportunities for success.
- I spent some time looking at previous roadblocks to success and I worked on eliminating those roadblocks. Especially if they were logistical issues.
- I took one day at a time
- I even bought a yearly planner that has a monthly and daily view. Basically, I am able to focus on one day at a time. Because, in reality, that’s all you can do.
If you’re reading this post and struggling with consistency please know that we’ve all walked in your shoes. You’ve go this! Keep trying and eventually, one day, you’ll commit.
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I think consistency is hard to get when you’re not 100% focused. I know my ups and downs happened because my mind was all over the place. For the last few months, I’ve been staying focused and trying to get things done.
Consistency is my #1 action step for 2018. I’ve already seen a big difference in how I perceive what I’m doing and results achieved.
Consistency is hard to achieve because you’re trying to form new habits, which are replacing old ones. Those old habits have been with you probably for a very long time and are going to be difficult to change. They’ve taken root, so to speak. So, your natural inclination is to revert back to the older, more established habits.
That’s my two cents anyway. Best of luck with your new goals!
Preach! Right now I’m focused on a 365 day visibility challenge. So far it’s happened…but, there are days when I’m like AAGGHH!You’re completely right about consistency being all about forming new habits. I’m focused on success so I’m working on this every single day.