How to Be More Consistent: Stop Opting Out of Your Own Plan
This is a love letter to the woman who beats herself up for not being consistent or disciplined enough.
When you're building a new habit, it's normal to struggle at first. You've probably used willpower and pure grit to push through.
How did that end up working for ya?
Why willpower doesn't make you consistent
Willpower CAN work for a while. But then your old identity shows up, because your awareness hasn't changed. You're still the same woman making the same trade-offs, just trying harder.
So here's the million dollar question. How can I become more consistent?
How do you become more consistent?
Here's your million dollar answer. When you become more aware of what you're sacrificing every time you talk yourself out of the thing you planned to do, consistency comes naturally.
An example: how to get consistent with your workouts
Let's say you planned to strength train four days last week. You know why you chose that plan. You've read all about the importance of strength training as you get older. But you only worked out on Monday.
You skipped your Wednesday, Friday and Saturday workouts even though they were blocked off in your calendar.
Every time you opt out of your plan, you're giving up something you wanted those workouts to help you create. Like stronger, more toned arms, improved sleep, or a smaller waistline.
How to stop opting out
Two things. Your Core Why and your 90-Day Identity Statement.
Your Core Why
Your Core Why helps you see why your goal matters to you beyond "I want to lose weight." I created this activity to help my clients uncover the deeper desire behind a goal. And that deeper desire generates a motivation that doesn't feel hard.
Your 90-Day Identity Statement
Your 90-Day Identity Statement is different. It's one single sentence about who you're becoming. When you repeat it to yourself, you feel grounded, peaceful, and certain. As you practice it over the next 90 days, you begin seeing yourself differently and you begin doing things differently, like completing four workouts in a single week.
Your Core Why reminds you what matters. Your identity statement reminds you who you're becoming. Both can help when your brain starts arguing for the easier choice.
When your alarm goes off at 4:45 AM
It's early early. Your alarm goes off. You planned to be at the gym at 5:30, but it's dark and you don't want to get out of bed. Your brain says, "I can go tomorrow."
This is when you return to your Core Why and your Identity Statement. You simply remember what a temporary moment of discomfort (getting out of the bed) will give you later.
It doesn't need to be some huge moment you have to post on Facebook. It's one choice that supports the woman you're becoming.
Consistency builds over time
Look at my new shero, Susan Young Browne. She's 108. Yes girl, one hundred and eight years old.
She's still driving, and she has a morning exercise routine she's kept for 20 years. Isn't she the cutest?
Her routine is a reminder that consistency builds over time. One morning becomes another, and another.
Get out of Problemville
When your brain is stuck in Problemville, all you can see is why it won't work. You're too busy. You travel too much. You don't like to cook. You don't have enough time.
You have to intentionally redirect your brain to the Land of Possibility. Ask yourself: What could work? What can I do today? Where do I have a bit of time?
Consistency is a form of self-love. Discipline is a form of self-love. When you follow through, you're putting yourself at the top of the list.
Ready for support?
If inconsistency is getting in the way of your weight and health goals, book a ForeverWell consultation.
I help women in midlife connect the dots between their hormones, metabolism, habits and identity so you can stop managing symptoms and start losing weight again. If you're ready to stop piecing this together on your own, let's talk about what support makes sense for you.
Jennifer Dent Brown is the founder of Luxe Life Coaching and the creator of Stop. Dieting. Forever.™ She helps women in midlife stop dieting and start losing weight. Her work connects the dots between hormones, metabolism, labs, and identity.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, health program, or lifestyle change.
The Grown Woman knows, consistency is doing one thing each day your future self will thank you for.
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