“The Athena Principles” Consistency – Principle 3 (Fifth in a Series)

The third of five Principles outlined in The Athena Principles, Simple Wellness Practices for Overworked Professionals is Consistency, defined as the art of staying committed and engaged, especially during challenging times.  When working toward improving well-being, consistent action is the critical factor in determining success because it leads to reliable outcomes and results.  The reverse is true as well – inconsistent action usually equates to less-than-optimal results.

Why is consistency so impactful? Repetition creates an environment of continuous improvement where feedback and learning can be applied, allowing adjustments to be made in real time while moving toward the intended outcome.  This trial-and-error approach builds trust with our inner knowing and develops new habits we begin to rely upon.  As we continue with consistent practice, our level of personal empowerment also increases because we realize that the responsibility for a beneficial outcome lies within us, leaving little room for blame or excuse.

The more we practice consistency, the more we come to know that being present each day is the key to moving closer to realizing our intentions.  With consistent effort, we notice it becomes easier to bypass distractions and immediate gratification in favor of crafting a lifestyle that supports good habits and making the right wellness choices over the long-term.

Momentum builds when we understand that true satisfaction comes from incremental, deliberate choices linked to desired behaviors.  We begin embracing the process and the work that is moving us toward our desires.

What determines the degree to which your intentions come to fruition?  It depends on the level of energy you consistently apply.  Consistent preparation, effort, learning and adjustment are the driving forces of the whole wellness equation – it’s how you choose to show up for yourself.

Great leaps of effort are not required to begin to move toward your intentions.  In fact, studies have shown that small steps taken consistently lead to lasting change.  Plan to start your wellness efforts with a series of micro-actions.  Before long, you’ll feel the momentum build and know when you’re ready to increase the frequency and intensity of your actions.

How do you make consistency the new norm?  Consistency is what builds healthy habits that are integrated into one’s lifestyle rather than sporadic activity that leaves you open to bargaining on whether or not to do it.

Here are some ideas to help make wellness the norm:

·       Immerse yourself in your new activity by learning about it, reading, listening to podcasts, meeting others with the same interests and having fun discovering new things together.

·       Be true to yourself rather than fitting in with someone else’s wellness expectations and implement changes that matter most to you.  What changes will make you feel good and are actionable for you at this time?

·       During the first four weeks of a new activity, try not to make exceptions to your new activity schedule.  Instead, to the extent possible, get into a solid groove.

·       On the days you’re not feeling motivated, perform your activity anyway.  A substandard effort is better than none at all, especially in the beginning.

·       Wellness choices do not need to be categorized as good or bad, checked-off or missed.  Instead, view choices as those that are right for that day and moment and choose mindfully.

True long-term success is not about perfection.  Our best plans can go awry.  The key is getting back on track as soon as possible and using the feeling of being off-course to adjust and move forward.

Creating a lifestyle that supports healthy habits is the end goal.  Don’t forget that the whole point in taking good care is to live wholeheartedly – to fully embrace who you are and do the things that light you up with the people you love.

I will continue sharing the book’s key concepts with you through blogs posted on the 1st and 15th of the month through October.  You can sign up for blog post alerts below and get a free download of The Athena Principles framework and action plan at: https://athenawellness.com/actionplan

Book Announcement:  The paperback, eBook and audiobook versions of The Athena Principles, Simple Wellness Practices for Overworked Professionals are available on Amazon.  Feedback shared via Amazon reviews is much appreciated!