That dream life often feels just out of reach right? Like consistency is a secret password you just don't have. You're not alone in this. So many of us start with incredible enthusiasm. We want to eat healthier exercise more build that side hustle or deepen our faith. But then life happens. Motivation wanes. And we find ourselves back at square one feeling a bit defeated.
I get it. We all face this. Our founder Stephen Montagne knows this path well. He battled gaming binge eating and laziness for years. He felt stuck. But through persistent effort he eventually lost over 110 pounds. He discovered a balanced healthy lifestyle. He built productive routines and deepened his Christian Orthodox faith finding true purpose. His journey wasn't about a magic pill. It was about learning to be consistent one day at a time.
So how do we crack this consistency code? It’s not about superhuman willpower. It’s about smart strategies and a whole lot of grace. Let's explore ten ways to build that consistent muscle together.
1. Find Your Deep "Why"
Before you try to change anything ask yourself why. Why do you want to achieve this goal? A superficial "why" like "I want to look good" might not be enough. Dig deeper. Do you want more energy to play with your kids? Do you want to feel healthier to live a longer more vibrant life? Stephen found a powerful "why" in his desire for a life of meaning and in strengthening his relationship with God. This deeper purpose fueled his efforts to overcome unhealthy habits. When your "why" is strong it pulls you forward even when motivation fades. Write it down. Keep it visible.
2. Start Ridiculously Small
Big goals are inspiring. But they can also be overwhelming. The secret is to break them down into tiny manageable steps. Want to exercise? Start with a five-minute walk. Want to read more? Start with one page a day. When Stephen decided to lose weight he didn't overhaul his entire life overnight. He started with small changes. Maybe it was one less sugary drink or a short walk. These tiny actions build momentum. They make consistency feel achievable not impossible.
3. Schedule Your Priorities
If something is important it needs a place in your schedule. Don't just hope you'll find time for it. Make time. Stephen built a productive routine around short bursts of deep work usually 2 to 4 hours. This focused time allows him to get meaningful things done without burning out. Treat your important habits like appointments you cannot miss. Put them in your calendar. Protect that time.
4. Design Your Environment for Success
Your surroundings have a huge impact on your behavior. Make it easy to do the right thing. Make it hard to do the wrong thing. Want to eat healthier? Keep healthy snacks visible and junk food out of sight. Want to reduce screen time? Put your phone in another room during work hours or family time. Stephen likely had to change his environment to overcome gaming. Perhaps he moved his console out of his bedroom or set strict time limits. Set yourself up to win.
5. Track Your Efforts Not Just Results
Results take time. Focusing only on the outcome can be discouraging. Instead track your efforts. Did you show up today? Did you do the small thing you planned? Stephen celebrated small wins. Each healthy meal eaten each workout completed each day without binge eating was a win. These efforts accumulate. Tracking them provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated. A simple checkmark on a calendar can be surprisingly powerful.
6. Celebrate Every Tiny Victory
This goes hand-in-hand with tracking efforts. Acknowledge your progress. When you complete a small task or stick to a habit for a day give yourself a pat on the back. Stephen emphasizes celebrating small wins. It’s not about extravagant rewards. It’s about recognizing your commitment. This positive reinforcement builds a stronger habit loop. It makes the journey more enjoyable. Remember losing 110 pounds didn't happen in a week. It was a series_of_small_victories.
7. Find Your Support System
You don't have to do this alone. Share your goals with a trusted friend family member or mentor. An accountability partner can make a huge difference. Knowing someone will check in can provide that extra nudge you need. For Stephen his faith community and his relationship with God provided immense strength and support. Find people who lift you up and encourage your growth.
8. Embrace Imperfection Forgive Yourself Quickly
You will have off days. You will miss a workout. You will eat that cookie. It’s okay. Perfection is not the goal consistency is. The most important thing is to get back on track with your next choice. Don't let one slip-up derail your entire progress. Stephen surely faced setbacks while overcoming habits like binge eating or laziness. The key was not giving up. He learned to forgive himself and refocus. Treat yourself with kindness.
9. Link New Habits to Existing Ones
This is sometimes called habit stacking. Identify a habit you already do consistently like brushing your teeth or making coffee. Then link your new desired habit to it. For example after your morning coffee practice daily gratitude for two minutes. Stephen practices daily gratitude. This simple technique makes it easier to remember and integrate new behaviors into your routine. It uses the momentum of an established habit to launch a new one.
10. Regularly Reflect and Adjust
What's working? What's not? Take time to review your progress and your strategies. Consistency isn't about rigidly sticking to a plan that isn’t serving you. It’s about being adaptable. Maybe your initial small step was too big. Make it smaller. Maybe your "why" needs revisiting. Stephen’s journey involved constant learning and adjustment. Be honest with yourself. Make changes as needed to keep moving forward.
Building consistency is a journey not a destination. It’s about making small conscious choices every day. It’s about progress not perfection. Stephen’s story shows us that transformation is possible. It starts with one step then another.
So what’s one tiny step you can take today to build more consistency in your life? Just one. Start there. You’ve got this.
