Consistency Eventually Leads to Breakthroughs!

Sweat the Small Stuff

-- By Chris

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Consistency, so important to the SparkPeople System, is something our society often overlooks. People are so focused on wanting things now that they aren't willing to spend the time consistently doing small things over time. This attitude results in loads of stress and lost opportunities.

Here's how you can reap the benefits of consistently doing small things:

First, pick small goals that can be somewhat easily integrated into your normal daily schedule. Examples include:

10 minute workout in the morning
Taking fruits and vegetables to work (packs of raisins, an apple, or a bag of carrots)
Giving yourself small breaks throughout the day to relax or meditate
Working on a new skill for a certain amount of time each week

Next, set specific goals based on these, then write down the goals and track them. MySpark is one great way to track your goals. Doing these small goals consistently will build a good foundation - a springboard for future success.

Once you do these steps, consistently setting and achieving goals becomes an upward cycle. As you gain momentum, you will want to continue achieving new goals. One thing to watch out for is losing focus on the goals that built your springboard, which can cause the whole thing to fall apart. Those goals should become good habits.

Consistently building new habits can lead to personal breakthroughs that wouldn't have otherwise happened.

Here's a personal example: I've been really working on my fitness consistency over the past 6 months. I've also set a goal to improve my tennis strokes. Last night I played tennis with a friend in 90+ degree heat and lost the set we played (it wasn't even that close). Afterwards, we continued to hit for another 20 minutes or so. Instead of being down mentally and exhausted physically from the heat, I still had a bounce in my step from the improved fitness. Also, I concentrated on improving my strokes and wanted to get better. After about 10 minutes, I had a breakthrough in the development of my strokes and my friend immediately noticed I was hitting much better. Now, I'm even more excited about getting out and playing more. If it hadn't been for consistently achieving smaller goals, I probably wouldn't have had this breakthrough.

These same principles can work for you in all areas of your personal and professional life. Consistency is the key!

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About The Author

Chris Downie
As the founder and CEO of SparkPeople, Chris is passionate about helping people reach their goals! See all articles by Chris.

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Member Comments

JGMARIE80

I do my best to be consistent all the time but sometimes it's so difficult. I just hope that I can persevere . - 4/9/2013 9:49:44 PM
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3GIRLSNOBOYS

so funny that i found this article. oh yesterday my husband was just saying in bible study that it's the small things you do that can add up to big change. He wasn't talking about weight loss, but I made it to apply to me. I'm going to remember this daily. - 9/7/2012 5:05:33 PM
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CLESSFAT

I really needed to read this today!! I have been consistent but I have been feeling like my consistency isn't going to pay off! I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and I know I will make it to my goal! - 6/26/2012 10:41:34 AM
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KEISHAMG

Until today I lacked consistency. Today is the day that will change. I vow from this moment forward to be consistent. I am a work in progress, but consistency and persistence will mold and shape me. - 5/7/2012 5:37:33 PM
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DEJANIERA

All I can say is that I blogged on consistency and I'm holding myself accountable because I have now alerted the world...! - 8/14/2011 11:24:01 PM
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FITTOBE2

I completely understand, and also see rewards when being consistent. But, it is difficult to be consistent all of the time. - 8/11/2011 7:32:31 PM
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MERIDGE

Consistency is something I struggle with constantly. I've even joked about adding a "Diet of the Week" sign to my desk. Thanks for the reminder that the small things add up and help build good long-lasting habits. - 8/10/2011 3:33:30 PM
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MAWAR671

Couldn't agree more. Consistency for me = routine. I usually do very well on working days. Get up early, 45 mins exercise, get things ready, breakfast, leave home for work. As soon as it hits weekends and I am out of my work days routine, boom! I struggled. I need to start developing the routine for weekends. - 8/8/2011 12:04:55 AM
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K_RENEE

This is exactly what I'm working on and so far it's working. By far the best approach I've taken to being/becoming consistant with anything and I have to say breaking everything into small chunks is really working for me. I had to remind myself several times not to have an "all or nothing" mentality. - 8/7/2011 7:42:51 PM
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MARTHASPARKS

Of all of the awards that I can earn through Spark each month, the consistency award is the most important one to me. Even if I am plateaued or fighting to lose or barely holding on by my fingernails, getting that Consistency Award tells me that I AM going to achieve my goals. - 8/7/2011 5:40:19 PM
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LIVIN_DOLL

It seems like a giant task but it actually is a series of small steps that contribute to success. - 8/7/2011 1:14:14 PM
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BGBEAR624

This came in my e-mail this morning and it couldn't have been better timing! This is EXACTLY what I needed help with today. I've been having so many issues with consistency, but the ideas is this article will definitely give me a boost. - 8/7/2011 11:58:28 AM
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PJGOOD123

This is totally true! Thanks to SP in helping me with consistency I have lost my first 10#'s after trying for years unsuccessfully! - 8/7/2011 11:24:34 AM
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KAYLADIVA777

I know once you become more consistent, many 'issues' I have in my life right now will CHANGE FOR THE BETTER :)

Thanks Chris!!! - 11/27/2010 3:21:18 AM
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JAZZYDJ1017

I agree full well - consistancy is the key , unfortunately my consistancy is making excuses. I know, I'm working on getting rid of old excuses and tapes that kept me where I am or was. Cant say I am still in the dumps , I'm a member of spark people. Yay So starting monday I am going to add a goal I have it on my page but havent tracked it for 28 days. that goal is working out by stretching at least 10 minutes a day. I'm hoping that will lead to me using my gym membership which is already paid for to join a yoga or kick boxing class as well as enjoy poll arobics.

One step at a time one day at a time. Thanks spark guy. - 8/15/2010 7:12:06 PM
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