How to show up for yourself
A framework for consistency
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THE BEATING DRUM
Last week, I shared a Facebook memory from 10 years ago that really got me thinking. My husband had posted:
You will note this post was from 2012. We had joined a small fitness studio down the street on their opening day August 22, 2007. Five years later, we were still at it.
Because the studio logged every class we attended (for billing purposes), we knew exactly how many workouts we had completed.
1,069.
That averaged out to be 4 workouts per week for 5 years in a row!
That’s pretty remarkable, right? It’s not often you find a workout routine that keeps you going with that level of consistency over that length of time.
What’s really remarkable is that it didn’t stop there. Eventually, the studio closed down + we moved on to other facilities, but what never stopped is the consistency of our workouts.
To this day, we continue to workout at least 4 times/week. Without fail.
That’s 15 years of consistency to date!
I share this not because I’m some wiz at consistency. Sure, I’m consistent at some things, but with other things I’m a friggin’ pinball machine!
I share it because I marvel at my own consistency when I see it.
I guess that’s what got me thinking this week.
What makes something stick? What am I consistent with? What am I NOT consistent with? What makes the difference between those two things?
FINDING RHYTHM
Prior to 2007, my husband + I were hit & miss when it comes to working out. We always had some sort of fitness equipment in our garage or bedroom. We would have spells of intensity + consistency, but life would always get in the way + disrupt our routine.
We weren’t lazy or not committed to our fitness, but looking back, here’s what I think changed for us when we joined the fitness studio.
STRUCTURE. We were signed up for four classes/week. We knew when our classes were. They were on the calendar. We planned our schedule around the classes (not the other way around). It became a priority. It was not up for discussion. We just did it.
FUN. No two workouts were alike. We made friends there. We came with the attitude of having fun. We looked forward to class. We didn’t know what to expect. We wanted to see how well we could perform.
SUPPORT. All the years prior, we thought we were ‘working out’, but we had never worked with professionals who knew what they were doing. They helped us dial in our form. Work efficiently. Get results. We learned so much by showing up + following their instruction.
IDENTITY: In time, we became known as people who take fitness seriously. It became part of our identity. Everyone knew it was a priority to us. Everyone knew what our workout schedule was. No one asked us to do anything on workout night - not even our kids.
As I think through this, I realize the same four things are true for other things in my life.
Our diet follows the same principles as our fitness journey. We have a structure for what we eat + how we plan for it. We have fun making food - music, recipes, conversation. We got support along the way + learned about nutrition + cooking. Today, we identify as healthy eaters. It is a big piece of who we are.
My skincare routine is the same way. As someone who never had one - the fact that I have been so consistent with mine for years now, is amazing. My skin gets better every year - rather than worse with age. I found the structure my skin needs. I never skip my regimen because I enjoy it so much! I got support along the way + developed expertise in skincare. It has become part of who I am.
This newsletter is another example. I knew I needed to write again with consistency. So, I found a structure to make it happen. I make it fun by carving out a special time on Wednesdays to enjoy the process of creating it. I get support by following + reading other professionals + connecting with you here each week. And, it’s becoming part of my identity. In a couple weeks, we get to celebrate the first anniversary of The LIFT!
Another routine in my life…Mondays with Mom. My mom + I have been getting together every Monday for years now. It’s something we both look forward to + it keeps us connected (Structure + Fun). We support each other in making it happen + it has become part of our identity. Everyone knows we have our Monday time together.
RETHINK YOUR ROUTINE
The older I get, the more I realize how important routines are - especially those related to health + wellness + relationships. Financial ones, too!
Routines make it easy to be consistent. When life gets in the way, a routine backs you up + pulls you back on track.
The best part is that consistency delivers results. Always.
In truth, consistency can work FOR you or AGAINST you. Results are inevitable + they compound with anything you do consistently.
Compounding interest is a powerful principle.
It applies to all things: health, finances, relationships.
Consistent actions = exponential results.
It’s not easy to be consistent in today’s world. Let’s face it! There are constant distractions. It’s so easy to lose our focus + get off track. But, with practice + better routines, we can make it easier on ourselves.
And, as they say…
Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.
YOUR MISSION:
Where do you need more consistency? Which one of these four steps is missing?
Get a structure + schedule in place.
Find a way to make it fun - something you look forward to.
Seek out support or expertise to improve your outcomes.
Make it part of who you are.
What would you add to this list?
RESOURCES:
READ: Why we struggle with consistency & how to rethink it | Extraordinary Routines
READ: How to be more consistent in life | The Happiness Coach
READ: How to take consistent action | The Positivity Blog
IN SUMMARY:
As I think about the areas in my life that need more consistency, more focus, more intention, I can see how this framework might really help me fine-tune my efforts. I’m going to give it a try. Let me know what you’re working on in the comments above. We can cheer each other on!
See you next week?
Meanwhile - you can read thru the archives here. And, please reach out to me anytime!
Email: karen@becounter.com
Instagram: @redefiningkaren
Thank you! As a teacher just back to work after an epic summer, I’m actively figuring out how to keep in the things I love. Calendar time!
Love this! I NEED routine and am so lost without it!!!