I didn’t want to write this newsletter.

I struggled. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say (even though I have a lot to say on the topic). I did all the “distract yourself” things: 

• I checked my phone. 

• I played with my cat. 

• I talked with my cat about his day. 

• I picked him up and hugged him. 

• I purposefully procrastinated by completing a module of a course I’m taking during my writing block. I have a study block for that. 

• I even went grocery shopping! In the middle of the day! 

Y’all, I HATE grocery shopping. 

Did I need to do it? Yes (PURPOSEFUL). Was that the time I was supposed to do it? No. (PROCRASTINATION)

I just want to be real. We ALL struggle with consistency. 

Obviously, I finished the newsletter. 

I rarely struggle with consistency these days, but it happens. Fortunately, I had the tools in my toolbox to fix my little Consistency Cart and turn it in the right direction. 

Old me would have hemmed and hawed, and given up for the day. I would have finished the newsletter at the last minute or even late. This girl ain’t got time for that anymore. 

You don’t either, my friend. I want to share my tips and tricks with you. They don’t remove inconsistency from your life. Rather, they will  help you get back on track quickly and stay in the consistency zone.

How to Unwreck Yourself

I asked myself why I was falling into an inconsistent pattern. 

Here’s what happened: I overslept by almost 45 minutes. Then, my schedule was thrown off by a phone call which derailed my writing schedule for over an hour. Then, the first piece I wrote took a lot of research, and when I posted it, it never posted. I didn’t realize it had an approval process. All that to say, I got a much later start than anticipated. 

By the time I made it to the newsletter I was fried. That was my reasoning for being inconsistent.

I observed my purposeful procrastination. 

I knew when I was procrastinating and why I was procrastinating . . . and I allowed myself to do it. *For a block of time (more on this below).

I reframed my mindset by checking in with my WHY.

I have come a long way when it comes to mastering consistency, and I’m not about to let a little derailment of my regularly scheduled activities to mess that progress up. 

Years ago my source of inconsistency came from trying to do too much. I was always juggling multiple balls and prided myself in being able to effortlessly juggle one more task. Except I wasn’t. I was juggling stress balls.

Now, I have built a fortress of consistency and life harmony that focuses on living my life intentionally. I’m achieving my dreams.

I dealt with my block.

I released the anxiety of what to say and how to say it. I sometimes have to get back in the battle cage with perfectionism. I use journaling and meditation to help me process blocks.

I reconnected with my style of writing. I try to write the way I talk - and the way I talk is like I’m talking to a friend. I envision a friend sitting across the table from me and I type away. If you ever feel like one of these newsletters was written just for you, don’t be so sure it wasn’t. 

I reviewed my processes so I could knock this newsletter out. 

I have strong processes in place these days. I schedule out my days in time blocks. I choose to Time Block because:

• it ensures I have scheduled time to complete the things I need to complete

• it forces me to focus on one task at a time (no mixing studying with writing or grocery shopping, 😜)

• I can move those blocks around. This means I moved my writing block to the spaces where “run errands” and “study” usually are. I never move a missed block to another day unless there is some emergency.

You Don’t Lack Consistency

Honestly, lack of consistency isn’t your problem.

I am willing to bet my entire stash of fancy coffee (‘cause I’m a coffee snob) that you don’t have a consistency problem. 

I bet there are any number of things you do consistently:

• Brush your teeth

• Take showers or baths

• Get ready for work

• Go to work

• Post on social media

• Watch you’re favorite TV shows

You could make an endless list of things you do consistently.

You don’t have a consistency problem. You have a discipline problem.

Oooooo! There’s that word - discipline. How many of you just had a negative reaction to the word discipline? 

You are consistent at the things you want to do and inconsistent at things you don’t want to do. Why? The Pain-Pleasure Continuum.

You are hardwired to engage in things that bring pleasure or comfort and avoid things that cause pain or discomfort.

Discipline can be viewed as a burden and weight, or it can be viewed as a superpower that gets you what you want. You decide which one it is.

Discipline is the process (system, routine) you follow regardless of your emotional response (motivation). Love it or hate it, you’re doing it.

• Be aware of times you are inconsistent and reflect on why you are procrastinating.

• Give your procrastination a time limit.

• Develop processes you can follow (even when you don’t feel like it).

When you are solidly consistent in one area of your life you can easily replicate it. Likewise, when you are solidly inconsistent in one area of your life you can easily replicate it.

Either can spread like wildfire.

Which flames are you fanning?

Do you need support?

If you need a coach, contact me. I can teach you how to get started and accelerate your growth by using repeatable methods. Need the tools? I’ve got them. The goal is always to make you independent. I should be working myself out of a job. Once you take off, you may want to have a session from time to time, especially if you are scaling your goals. A good coach teaches you how to stand on your own two feet. Are you ready to CONNECT?