3 keys to achieving consistency

Consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to reaching your goals, but developing it can often feel like an uphill battle. Whether you’re working on fitness, personal growth, or any other objective, staying consistent can be challenging. But here’s the good news: building consistency doesn’t have to be complicated. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few strategies that work wonders for me. Let me share three key practices that have helped me stay on track.

1. Write things down

One of the most powerful habits I’ve developed is writing down my progress. When I’m in the gym, I make it a point to record the weights I use for each set. This simple act has a profound impact on my consistency. Not only does it help me remember what I did in previous workouts, but it also gives me a clear benchmark to measure progress. It’s easy to forget what you did last week, especially if you're not tracking it. But when you have those numbers in front of you, it becomes easier to see how much you’ve improved and where you can push yourself further.

Tracking my weights also helps me stay motivated. Knowing that I’m consistently increasing my weights over time – even if it’s just a small increase – keeps me motivated to show up and challenge myself in the gym. It’s a great way to stay on top of progress and build that consistency over the long term.

2. Follow a routine

Another key strategy is following a routine. If you're like me, you probably have some aspects of your life that are already on a schedule. As a collegiate athlete, I have practice times and workout routines that are set in stone, but I’ve realized how important it is to create routines outside of just training as well. A routine is the backbone of consistency in any area of your life, not just fitness.

For example, one of the most effective habits I’ve incorporated into my routine is making sure I go to sleep around the same time every night. It might sound simple, but it’s had a huge impact on my energy levels and focus. Since I started prioritizing a consistent bedtime, I’ve noticed that I wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to take on the day, which translates into better performance in practice and competition. A good night’s sleep is foundational to staying consistent in all areas of life, and building this into your routine can be a game-changer for your consistency overall.

3. Keep it fun

Life is meant to be enjoyed! If working out or pursuing your goals feels like a chore, it’s easy to lose motivation and fall off track. When we see our workouts or other goals as just another item on a never-ending to-do list, it’s all too easy to go through the motions rather than actively pushing ourselves to improve.

That’s why I believe it’s so important to keep things fun and interesting. For example, I try to vary my workouts and introduce new challenges into my routine, like increasing weights gradually or switching up the types of exercises I do. This keeps things fresh and exciting. Adding variety to your training or goal-setting routine can keep you engaged and eager to see what’s next, rather than just checking off another workout or task.

Build consistency with purpose

By writing things down, following a routine, and keeping things fun, you can create a solid foundation that will help you stay on track and make progress toward your goals. The key is to make small adjustments that work for you, stay patient, and remember that consistency is about gradual progress, not perfection.

If you'd like to learn more about how consistent hard work over time can make all the difference in your health and in your life, we'd love to sit down and chat with you. You can schedule a free fitness consultation with our Rise team here.