The Power of Consistency
Building Habits for Lasting Success
If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude. Colin Powell
There is no quick fix to build lasting habits. In fact, if you’ve tried to take shortcuts, you’ve likely learned that it only delays the process or makes it harder to form the habit. The key to building good habits is consistency. By committing to practicing daily without fail, eventually the habit will become second nature.
To build these habits, it’s important to be selfish with your time and eliminate distractions that could hinder your progress. Consider waking up a little earlier or setting aside specific time in your day or calendar to focus on building these habits. Let those around you know that this time is reserved for you so you can be held accountable.
Exercise
Exercise is an excellent way to stimulate the body and mind. It’s almost like a natural medicine for the body and can have positive effects on the mind as well. You don’t need to join a gym or even have any equipment to get a good workout. There are many apps available that offer home workouts without the need for any special equipment. Make exercise a regular part of your daily routine and you’ll find that it helps to clear your mental clutter and increase creativity. There’s no excuse not to get moving!
Read and Learn
Reading and learning are essential practices that should be incorporated into our daily lives. Despite the knowledge we gain through formal education, there is always more to learn and understand. Even the wealthiest and successful individuals in the world prioritize continual learning and reading. As the world changes and evolves, so too do the ways we communicate and conduct our lives. In order to achieve success, it is essential to develop a habit of reading and learning. By exposing ourselves to new ideas and information, we can expand our knowledge and improve our understanding of the world. Instead of being content with what we already know, we should strive to be curious and always seek out new opportunities to learn and grow. Building a strong foundation of knowledge through reading and learning can not only make you a smart person, but it can give you the perspective and understanding you need to navigate the challenges of life.
Pray
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us connect with our beliefs and find guidance and support in our daily lives. As a Christian, I find that prayer helps me connect with God and grow spiritually. I have found that some of my best solutions come through prayer, and that when I pray about difficult situations or things I need guidance on, I receive answers more quickly than if I worry and overthink without taking it to God in prayer. Praying daily helps me stay connected to my spiritual life and helps me grow. No matter what your beliefs may be, taking time to pray and connect with a higher power can bring a sense of peace and clarity to your life.
Meditation
Meditation is a valuable practice that is often overlooked in our busy lives. Taking the time to sit quietly and reflect, or simply to take a pause from your daily routine, can have a profound impact on your well-being. Whether you choose to meditate at the end of the day or first thing in the morning, incorporating this practice into your daily routine can bring many benefits, such as increased mental clarity, a sense of calm, and improved focus and decision making. One of the things that I have personally experienced with daily meditation is an enhancement of my reflective abilities and decision making. I like to call it my “Pause”, a time where I reflect on my thoughts, emotions, and actions of the day. It’s a way to look back and look forward on things I want to focus on. Give it a try for a month and notice the positive change it brings into your life.
“With the same habits, you’ll end up with the same results. But with better habits, anything is possible.” James Clear