Maintaining Consistency without beating yourself up when life keeps throwing distractions your way.
As I get older, I’ve learned that staying consistent in a world that’s full of constant interruptions and distractions can feel a bit like trying to do yoga with Kona, my labradoodle trying to take part. You know, you set out with the best of intentions, thinking you’re going to get into that perfect downward dog or maybe even try to find your Zen, and then life happens! Whether it’s the dog licking your face, a ringing phone, or that nagging thought that you’ve put your glasses somewhere (and now you can’t see anything without them), staying on track can be a challenge.
But the reality is, consistency truly is the key to success—especially when it comes to making those big changes or maintaining a healthy mindset as we age. I’ve learned that being consistent doesn’t mean doing the same thing every day like clockwork (my newsletter publishing is evidence of that) or becoming rigid in our routines. It’s more about cultivating habits that don’t get us frustrated if not done at a particular time or in the perfect way. Ones that make us happy, healthy, with purpose and that we can stick to even when life throws us a curveball.
Let’s Talk Consistency
Consistency is about creating small, manageable habits that, when strung together, lead to something wonderful.
For instance, I’ve decided to spend 30 minutes each morning working on my latest writing project. Some days, that goes swimmingly, but other days, the WiFi decides to act like a teenager and refuses to work, or Kona decides he just has to have some attention and will whine until he gets it. Here’s the trick: I forgive the interruption, do what needs doing, and go back to writing later in the day. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection; it means persistence.
Tips for Staying Consistent in a World of Distractions
Now, let’s face it—distractions aren’t going anywhere. They’re like guests who show up uninvited and then overstay their welcome. But with a little bit of strategy and a good dose of humor, we can stay on course.
- Set Intentions, Not Expectations
When I wake up, I set an intention. It could be, “Today, I will write 300 words,” or “Today, I’ll go for a 15-minute walk.” Notice I’m not expecting perfection or trying to stick to a rigid schedule. This way, even if life interrupts, I’ve got a goal in mind. - Embrace the Power of Mini-Routines
I find that having a few mini-routines helps keep me anchored. For example, I have a ritual of enjoying a cup of tea before diving into anything creative. That’s my signal to the brain to say, “Alright, let’s focus.” It’s like lighting a candle before starting a prayer—small, but meaningful. - Laugh at the Interruptions
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that getting upset over distractions only derails me further. So, if my cup (inbox) overfloweth with urgent emails, I take a deep breath and smile. Then, I remind myself why I’m doing what I’m doing, and I get back to it. - Have a Back-Up Plan
Life happens, and when it does, it’s always good to have a Plan B (or C, or D). If my writing gets interrupted, I’ve got a quick calm app on standby to refocus. And if all else fails, I remind myself that tomorrow is another chance to try again.
In the End…
Consistency isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, day after day, with a willingness to try again. We’re older, and we’ve been through enough to know that life doesn’t always go as planned. There will be distractions, interruptions, and days when things just don’t work out. But by setting small, realistic goals and having a sense of humor, we can stay consistent and keep moving toward success—whatever that looks like for each of us.
After all, if I can remember where I put my glasses and stay on track, I’d say that’s a success worth celebrating!
