Episode 110: Strategies and Supports to Build Consistency in Your Daily Habits
Today, we’re exploring the theme of consistency—a topic that resonates with so many of us trying to create momentum in our lives and work. I’ll be sharing my personal struggles with staying consistent (yes, even as someone who sometimes forgets to brush their teeth!) and the steps I've taken to become more disciplined. We'll touch on my recent Episode 106, "The Power of Three Daily Essentials," which focuses on three daily habits that have helped me foster consistency. Tune in as we dive into the challenges, the small wins, and strategies that can support you in building habits that last.
My Journey with Consistency: Small Steps for Big Change
Consistency hasn’t always come naturally to me. I’ve had my fair share of missed challenges and abandoned routines, but I have been on a mission to become more consistent especially in my “three daily essentials,” which are: waking up at 5 a.m., exercising, and washing my face each night. Each of these actions, though simple, has required commitment and a structured approach. Today, I’ll walk you through my journey of building these habits and share how the smallest acts of consistency can add up to meaningful progress in both life and business.
Facing Obstacles and Finding "The Point of No Return"
One lesson I’ve learned along the way is identifying moments I call “the point of no return”—those key times in the day when following through on a habit becomes significantly harder. For example, if I don’t wash my face by 9 p.m., the chance I’ll skip it grows. I’ve also observed energy triggers, like the importance of going to bed on time to ensure I can wake up early, and accountability triggers, like how much easier it is to work out when my gym buddy joins. Recognizing these patterns has been instrumental in understanding my own consistency and finding ways to stay on track.
Strategies to Build Consistency: Cues and Habit Stacking
To counter these hurdles, I’ve focused on supportive cues and habit stacking—two simple strategies that have made a big difference. Setting out my workout clothes the night before, for instance, has become a visual cue that nudges me to follow through in the morning. I also practice “habit stacking,” which involves pairing a new habit with an established routine, like washing my face right after putting the kids to bed. These small steps make it easier to stay consistent and help me build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, consistency is a journey of progress, not perfection. I encourage you to take this week to observe your own patterns and notice where you tend to fall off track. Try applying one or two of these strategies, and see how they impact your habits. You’re not alone on this journey—I’m right here cheering you on every step of the way!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
● The "point of no return” refers to the moments when you lose the ability to follow through on your goals or tasks due to specific triggers, such as time, energy, or lack of accountability. Identifying and becoming aware of these patterns will allow you to address them proactively.
● Create cues in your environment that remind you to stay consistent. Whether it’s laying out clothes the night before to encourage a morning workout or setting up your workspace for a productive day, having visual or physical reminders can significantly improve follow-through.
● Be curious and understand where you fall off track by spending the week observing your routines, and write down where and why you struggle with being consistent. This self-awareness can help you develop strategies to overcome these obstacles and stay on course.
● Consistency is challenging, but the key is persistence. When you get off course simply focus on getting back on track and implement a strategy.
