The life changing habit of consistency
- Written by Eric North aka “The Happiness Warrior”
So many times, in life we get excited about something and feel an intense surge of passion. We want to make it part of our life and experience, but at some point it feels too hard, and we give up. So many can dream of being a rock star and buy a bass guitar. Only to find that they don’t have the self-discipline to make it work out. Quitting on themselves before they get started. So much potential wasted because we don’t feel like we’re good enough. It gets harder and we get more discouraged. We haven’t allowed ourselves to see the big picture and we talk ourself out of it. Soon all the time and energy we spent getting started feels like the loss of a dream.
We haven’t yet realized that it takes time and consistent effort to master anything worthwhile in life. We become regretful and keep our aspirations locked away in our shadows. Life goes on but we will always be thinking of what we have surrendered.
Opportunities that we squandered because they weren’t so easy. Things that we’ve always wanted to do that become self-created obstacles. Phantoms and fears that steal our momentum. We forget that the everything we need to know comes from within. The life changing habit of consistency and belief in ourselves. A feeling of progression with the more work we put into it. Making a new pattern of small victories and steadily moving forward in the great game of life.
As The Happiness Warrior, I’ve always thought it was purely self-discipline that’s the driver for objectives and aspirations. I have dreams where I see my future clearly and take action to make them happen. I believe in the power of destiny and connecting with the energy of the universe and forgoing any feelings of shame or judgment.
One of my five Happiness Warrior core values is that every action must have a purpose. A conscious state of being and knowing. Each small step accumulates, drives me forward, and aligns with my mission.. Know that the lessons of past regrets are reminders that we gave up too easily.
It’s our ability to be accountable to ourselves that creates our lives in the present. All that matters is what we’re doing now at this time in the present, the future is already happening.
CONSISTENCY IS EASIER THAN WE THINK
Most of us know what it’s like to feel the sting of disappointment at least once in our lives. It can hurt and make us want to find shelter. Hiding from our failures and not realizing their value in future growth and opportunities. It a self-defeating paradigm ruled by counterproductive and self-created negative emotions. It’s a cycle that will repeat endlessly until we can see ourselves with more self-awareness. It’s a pattern that can easily be broken when we realize we have the power to change from within and be our best selves. Small consistent actions are all that is needed. It’s how we change our story from defeat to triumph. It’s how we learn to realize our inherent powers and reveal hidden potential. It’s our redemption without any drama or false narrative. Being consistent is a self-driven power that can change our life experiences. There’s beauty in the equation. One positive step leads to another and expands infinitely.
Consistency is the power that allows us to see our value and achievements. It creates tangible assets and life-skills that we use every day. Incremental growth that helps us better love who we are. Creating the best versions of ourselves to help others.
HOW TO BE MORE CONSISTENT FROM NOW ON
Don’t believe into being fooled that being consistent will make life more boring and predictable. In fact, the opposite is true. Consistency brings us a daily framework for being able to see life with a greater perspective. It provides greater opportunities and increased expectations. It gives a solid base on which to move forward and achieve our goals. Consistency is the foundation from which all progress is measured and enjoyed. It’s the happiness that comes when we’ve conquered chaos and confusion. It gives us more power and self-acceptance.
1. Develop good habits and use them consistently. Note that it can take up to three weeks to make these a regular part of our routine. Don’t give up too soon.
-- Be realistic and set achievable goals Some will require more energy and effort, but consistency is how we reach our objectives. Make goals measurable and action oriented.
-- Consistency only works when we are able to keep our schedules and be present when needed.
-- Use reminders and rewards to create accountability and honor commitments.
2. Tackle obstacles and mistakes quickly and efficiently. Keep going and don’t stop. All problems become smaller as soon as we recognize and state them aloud. Keep thoughts on high vibration and realize that the only thing that matters is our belief in ourselves.
3. Think of willpower as a victory that we can experience every day. A test that only we can win. Be self-aware and able to forgive if we stumble. Take steps to ensure that it’s never repeated.
4. Get plenty of sleep and disengage from screens and social media before bed. Learn to think of sleep as a reward for our good deeds and actions. What we are is what we become, and a good night’s sleep is something that everyone deserves. A time to recharge and wake up with gratitude.
5. Realize that mindset and attitude can take some time to change. We can’t be more empathetic and kinder until we’re able to be more affectionate with ourselves. Small steps create a more holistic journey. Learn to appreciate the smallest unselfish actions.
6. Look for role models and inspirations. What are they doing daily that creates their words and accomplishments? Motivation comes in many forms but is always enhanced when we see our values displayed by others.
7. Make promises that we can keep and remember that our words have spirit. Helping others is the secret to real happiness. Don’t overwhelm anyone with grandiose and meaningless gestures. Humility and humble values will always win.
It doesn’t matter if anyone else recognizes our hard work and determination. We should never expect anything of anyone else for our labors and outcomes. To do so is to always be disappointed. Instead, look from within and be grateful for what we’ve accomplished. Making a goal is a reward in itself, but celebrating our accomplishments and rewarding our efforts is how keep going. Share with others to join in us in our happiness.
Each of us on our own journey but our connection is universal. All humans have the same basic goals and desires. Happiness is a right that we all deserve to experience.
Consistency helps us to reinforce our positive habits. As humans who care about our lives we deserve to be rewarded and acknowledged.
Eric North
IG @TheHappinessWarrior1
www.thehappinesswarrior1.com