When it comes to consistency we’ve probably all heard about the importance of it. When it comes to growth and lasting achievements, consistency is what separates success and failure. Have you heard the saying “We often overestimate what we can do in a year and underestimate in 5”. That’s because consistency compounds.
When we start on a journey to growth in any area, often the first few days and weeks we see a lot of changes but then suddenly it seems to stop. It looks like you don’t grow anymore, like you’ve reached a plateau. That’s the moment consistency gets tested. In those moments you’ll be most likely tempted to give up. Motivation drops and frustration kicks in. You haven’t changed anything but suddenly the results change.
The Psychology Behind Consistency
In psychology, consistency isn’t just about keeping promises or routines—it’s a powerful force that shapes how we think, behave, and interact with others. It’s the reason we feel uneasy when our actions don’t match our beliefs. Understanding this can not only help you make better decisions but also harness the power of consistency to achieve your goals and create a more fulfilling life. So let’s dive in.
Our brain has a natural drive to stay consistent. So when you tell yourself that you struggle with consistency it’s actually not true. You might struggle with staying consistent to the “right” things but you don’t struggle with consistency in general. For example, I’m very good at consistently eating unhealthy food. I really don’t struggle with that. But I do struggle with staying consistent when it comes to a healthy and balanced diet. BUT if I do believe in a healthy lifestyle and I value health, constantly eating unhealthy will result in discomfort.
This is called the “Cognitive Dissonance Theory” by Leon Festinger. It says that when we are inconsistent with what we believe and how we act, we feel uncomfortable and one of the two things have to change to be at ease again. In my example I either change my eating habits or I change my belief that a healthy lifestyle is good for me. Simply put if there is a conflict between your values or beliefs and your actions, it will result in being uncomfortable.
Another interesting theory when it comes to consistency is the “Self-Perception Theory” by Daryl Bem. This theory says that people observe the actions they take and this shapes their beliefs about themselves, which in turn again influences their behavior. To get back to my example of the healthy lifestyle, if I consistently eat healthy I come to the conclusion that I am a healthy person and this belief will influence my future behavior, making it more likely that I will eat more healthy meals.
Steps to Build Consistent Habits
When you understand the two theories about consistency you can learn to use them to your advantage to build consistent habits. If you’ve told yourself, “I’m someone who values my health”, skipping your workout will create a mental conflict. Recognizing this tension can motivate you to follow through on your commitment, helping build long-term consistency. And in turn if you consistently workout, even if it’s just for a few minutes, you’ll start to view yourself as a “healthy person” or someone who prioritizes health. This shift in self-perception can motivate further consistent behavior, as your actions reinforce this new identity.
So first, understand your values and beliefs. What do you value? What do you believe about yourself? What do you want to believe about yourself? Are you acting according to your values and beliefs? Or what do your habits tell you about your beliefs and values? Write it all down, your values, your beliefs, your existing habits, and habits you think align with your beliefs and values.
Now set a specific and measurable goal that aligns with your values. But remember the goal is the outcome not the habit you want to build. This could be running a marathon by summer, writing a book by next year, getting the promotion in the next X months. Break the goal down into milestones and ultimately daily habits.
And then start small. Choose one habit you want to start with and make it so small and that you cannot not do it. Going back to the example of a healthy person, let’s say you’ve decided that you want to start moving your body everyday. A small habit could be to go for a walk every morning for 10 minutes. If you think 10 minutes could be a challenge, make it 5 minutes. No matter how small and maybe silly it might seem. The key in this step is that you actually do it.
If you link your new habit to a trigger it makes it easier for you to follow through. So what is a trigger? A trigger is something you already do on a daily basis. Let’s say you want to write a few lines every day. You could link it to your morning coffee. For example: “After you’ve had your first coffee you write 2 sentences.”
You don’t want to forget this last step: Don’t forget to celebrate your milestones. There’s something like goal fatigue and if you’re here you’re probably at risk of experiencing it or maybe you’ve already experienced goal fatigue. To avoid it, pause after reaching a milestone or hitting a goal and look back on your progress. Acknowledge how far you’ve come and celebrate the progress. Enjoy the journey of growth and development.
Overcoming Challenges to Consistency
Sticking to consistency can be difficult sometimes, especially when obstacles arise. Challenges like lack of motivation, perfectionism, busy schedules, failure, or the dreaded plateau can all get in the way of being consistent. However, overcoming these barriers is possible with the right mindset and strategies. Here are five practical tips to help you stay on course:
- Create Systems, Not Just Goals
Motivation comes and goes. But if you design systems, such as daily routines or habits, you won’t need to rely on motivation alone to keep going. They make it easier to take consistent action because they’re built into your day, regardless of how you feel. - Progress Over Perfection
Don’t get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly. Growth is about taking steps forward, even if they’re small or imperfect. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem. Small wins add up and keep you moving forward. It’s better to take imperfect action than to do nothing while waiting for perfection. - Start Small and Build Up
No matter how busy your day is, you can always find five minutes to work on your goals. Consistency isn’t about taking huge steps, it’s about showing up daily. Start with a habit so small that it feels almost effortless, and build from there. Even the smallest action is better than none at all. - Embrace Failure and Plateaus
Failure and plateaus are part of the process. When you’re trying something new, it’s natural not to get it right every time. Instead of letting it discourage you, view failure as a learning opportunity. And when progress slows down or seems to stall, remind yourself that it’s normal. Plateaus often mean you’ve reached a higher level, so take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. This is a sign of growth, not a reason to give up. - Track Your Progress
It’s easy to feel like you’re not moving forward when progress is slow, but having a way to track your habits over time can make a big difference. Seeing your progress in black and white can help you stay motivated when times are tough and can show you when it might be time to adjust your approach if you’ve plateaued for too long.
Consistency isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, making steady progress, and navigating the ups and downs of growth.
Are you ready to take your habits to the next level. Let’s chat and see how I can support you on your journey. Contact me today.
