Whether you are making dietary modifications or adding exercise to your schedule, consistency is the make it or break it factor while changing your lifestyle habits.
Change is difficult and even more daunting when we are trying to make our lifestyle healthier. This is because we are used to something and wonder if change will truly be beneficial. We tend to have fear of the unknown and, as a result, self-doubt creeps in which makes change seem like a mammoth task. However, with consistency, change is possible.
Repeat your new behaviour again and again, regularly. Consistency is a key element to creating positive change in your lifestyle. Athletes have to train for months before they can qualify to take part in a tournament. People who have to lose weight must stick to their diets for weeks before they see any significant change and those learning yoga have to practise their asanas (poses) for days before they can do it effortlessly.
To make a lifestyle change that will make you healthier, you have to be consistent in your efforts for weeks to get your desired result.
Here are some tips to remain consistent. Practise your chosen change day after day, week after week till it becomes a part of your routine. You will be surprised by how powerful routines are!
Keep a leeway for any emergency such as falling ill and get back asap to it after the emergency is over. Do not get derailed due to one episode of inconsistency.
Have your plan B ready beforehand in case of a glitch. For example, if you were going to exercise 45 minutes on all weekdays by attending a body pump class and your exercise class was cancelled, then you action plan B. Plan B could be jogging around the block.
Do not stop after a few weeks because you got busy at work or something else came in the way as this will sabotage all the effort you put in. After your brief interruption is over, get back to your chosen change like nothing happened so you don’t waste all of the effort that you put in so far. Remember it’s not all or nothing. Even if you make 80% of the effort, you will be able to get substantial results. These results will keep you motivated to go on.
Don’t be afraid of weak moments – when you feel low or feel exhausted – use your strongest will power.
Make a commitment to yourself just like you make one to your spouse, children, boss, business partner, client or friend.
When you are making a change for the better you have to be in it for the long haul. Experts say it takes 66 days or nine and a half weeks to form a habit. When the lifestyle change you are working on becomes a habit it will require a fraction of the initial effort that you put in and you can do it with ease and maintain your new healthy habits.
