Key Takeaways
- Start small with habits that are easy to repeat.
- Use systems (reminders, routines) instead of relying on willpower.
- Consistency isn’t perfection, but bouncing back when you slip.
After my recent post about how just showing up can change the growth and opportunities game, a few people reached out to ask whether it’s possible to become more consistent. That’s a fair question, because while talking about consistency is easy, living it is where most people struggle. So, what really helps the process? Here are a few things that have worked for me:
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1. Start Small
Most of us fail at consistency because we go too big, too fast. We get excited and set goals that sound impressive until real life hits. If you want to build a reputation for reliability, start small. Want to write more? Commit to one paragraph a day or a blog post a month, not a novel. Want to check in with your team? Pick one quick weekly update, not a 10-page report. Want to post more on your business social pages? Rather than aim for 7 posts a week, how about doing 2 or 3 consistently? Small actions are easier to repeat, and they add up over time.
2. Use Reminders Shamelessly
If you’re relying on memory to drive your consistency goals…hmmm, I wish you well. My experience is that it’s more about systems than anything else. For me? It’s my calendar and notes, and every single thing I need to get done gets into those. I know people who swear by sticky notes. Whatever works, use it. If a phone reminder helps you send that weekly report, review your marketing structures, or even read your Bible, then you’re already miles ahead of someone who keeps forgetting.
3. Anchor New Habits to Old Ones
When you tie a new habit to something you already do without thinking, the results can be like magic. For example, every time you make your morning coffee, use that moment to check your calendar. Or if you scroll your phone before bed (and let’s be honest, many of us do), use that time to jot down your top three priorities for tomorrow. It’s easier to build consistency when you don’t have to invent entirely new routines.
4. Don’t Beat Yourself Up When You Slip
Everyone drops the ball sometimes. I have, and you probably have too. The mistake isn’t missing once, it’s letting that one miss spiral into quitting altogether. The trick is to bounce back quickly. Consistency isn’t perfection. It’s persistence.
Conclusion
These are just a few things that have worked for me, and there are so many other habits that can make a difference. At the end of the day, what matters is showing up and being steady. And steady is what builds trust, whether you’re leading a business, climbing the career ladder, or just being the kind of person others can count on.