Last Updated on 07/20/2024 by Jonathon
Hey there, Wellness Philosophers!
I think we can all remember a time when we were inconsistent with our health and wellness and gave up what we were trying to accomplish too soon. It’s easy to do. That’s why the most important thing for lasting health and happiness in life is consistency.
What is Consistency?
Let’s talk about the now not-so-secret key to long-term wellness: consistency. It’s not about crash diets, extreme workouts, or magic pills. It’s about showing up for yourself day in and day out, making small, sustainable changes that add up to big results over time.
Picture this: You’re on a quest for better health and wellness. You start off strong, hitting the gym every day and swapping out junk food for lean steak and kale salads. But then life happens. You miss a workout here, indulge in a cheat meal there, and before you know it, you’re back to square one, feeling frustrated and defeated.
I think back to one of the many times in my life when I’ve lost 20 to 30 pounds doing some fad diet. Every single time, once I stopped being consistent and following the rules of the diet… the weight came back on! Not always quickly, but slowly over time – and it was back before I realized it, hitting me in my midsection like a sack of bricks.
Sound familiar? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. The good news is, there’s a better way, and it starts with one simple word: consistency.
Why Consistency is Important
Consistency is like the unsung hero of the wellness world. It’s not flashy or glamorous, but it’s oh-so-powerful. Here’s why consistency rocks:
- Habit Formation: Ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat”? It’s true. Show me someone who always is putting unhealthy food in their body, and I can bet that they themselves are unhealthy – probably in more ways than one. Consistency is the key to forming healthy habits that stick. Whether it’s hitting the pilates mat every morning or swapping soda for water, the more consistent you are, day in and day out, the more automatic these behaviors become.
- Progress, Not Perfection: Life is all about progress, not perfection. Consistency allows you to focus on the journey rather than the destination. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and moving forward, one step at a time. By making these small steps in the right direction, you can maintain your health and wellness growth.
- Stress-Busting Superpower: In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, consistency provides a sense of stability and predictability. Knowing what to expect reduces stress and anxiety, allowing you to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. I think working in a high-stress job is a good example of this: I previously worked as a Paramedic, and the most stressful part of the job was never really knowing what kind of emergencies we were going to be responding to next! I contrast that to what I do now – seeing patients in a Neurosurgery clinic as a Physician Assistant – and it’s easy to see that consistency in what you do is much less anxiety inducing.
How to be Consistent
Now that we’ve established why consistency is the bee’s knees let’s talk about how to actually be consistent. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Start Small: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are healthy habits. Start with one small change and build from there. Whether it’s adding an extra serving of veggies to your meals or taking a short walk after dinner, every little bit counts. When I first began developing the Evergreens of Wellness – the critical daily tasks that I recommend for maintaining health and wellness – I started with a small recommendation of walking 8000 steps a day (roughly twice the average step count of most Americans), but since that time the list of recommendations has grown! In the same way, you should start small with your health and wellness changes.
- Set SMART Goals: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Instead of saying, “I want to be healthier,” try, “I will walk for 30 minutes every day for the next month.” Having clear, actionable goals makes it easier to stay on track. Your goals don’t have to be perfect, but they should be SMART!
- Find Your Why: Your “Why?” is what motivates you to prioritize your health and wellness. This is different for all of us. Whether it’s wanting to feel more energetic, setting a good example for your kids, or simply loving the way exercise makes you feel, find your why and let it fuel your consistency. My biggest “Why?” for my own health and wellness journey is that I want to be here for my children and (God-willing!) grandchildren twenty, thirty, and forty years from now.
- Mix It Up: Variety is the spice of life, so don’t be afraid to mix up your routine – but remember to always be doing something that consistently moves you towards your overarching goal! Try new activities, experiment with different recipes, and find what works best for you. Staying engaged and interested makes it easier to stay consistent in the long run. If you’re like me (and, truthfully, most people these days) then you probably lose interest in new things quickly – so mixing it up can help mitigate this.
- Celebrate Your Wins: No matter how small, every step forward deserves to be celebrated. Did you crush your morning workout? Treat yourself to a relaxing bath. Cook a healthy dinner from scratch? Pat yourself on the back. Celebrating your wins reinforces positive behaviors and motivates you to keep going. The important part of celebrating is that you don’t want to go overboard, as that has the potential to derail you and make you lose your hard-earned progress. I wouldn’t want to order and eat an entire large pizza for dinner as my reward for eating a healthy breakfast and lunch!
In Conclusion
Consistency is the secret sauce that transforms good intentions into lasting change. By making small, sustainable changes and committing to them consistently, you can create a foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness.
So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the power of consistency and watch as your wellness grows before your very eyes!
Until next time, stay consistent, stay humble, and stay well!
P.S. If you want a secret weapon for building consistency in your life, then join the Dream Root Wellness Network to discover my “Core Content” on wellness, including the Dream Root Wellness Philosophy and Evergreens of Wellness courses, and discover our premium online wellness community!
