Consistency — it’s not the sexiest word. Usually my new year’s words are more along the lines of Freedom, Adventure, Joy, Dreams, or something equally opening and inspiring.
If you told me a year ago I would start the new decade with a word like “Consistency,” I would have scoffed and laughed in your face, and yet here I am claiming the word “Consistency.”
Why?
Life can change in a moment, but what creates lasting change are daily actions and choices. Anyone who has ever lost weight and kept it off will tell you, it’s not one workout or day of eating healthy. It’s a consistent choice and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Anyone who’s been married for 10, 20, 30, or even 50 years will tell you, it’s a daily choice, commitment, and consistent action that creates long-lasting relationships. Finances. Health. Love. Career. Life. Happiness. It’s all rooted in a commitment to be consistent with choices that align with the life you want to lead.
Consistency Creates Change
What really brought all this home for me was breaking my foot 4 months ago. I did everything I was supposed to do — ate well, cut out alcohol, stayed completely off of my foot for 4 solid weeks, and the bone healed perfectly.
I lost a lot of muscle during the healing process, so when I started walking again it was painful. As a result, without even knowing it, I started walking improperly and that consistent action for 3 months caused a ligament injury. Luckily, I listened to my body and when I was home in the States for the holidays saw a doctor who told me I need to wear special shoes and custom orthotics to realign my foot. No boots. No running. No jumping. No dancing. No yoga for the next 6 months. It was not the news I wanted to hear, but “sometimes you get what you need.”
All Change Starts with Choice
I felt so embarrassed going to client meetings in my 80-year-old doctor recommended Grandma shoes. I’ve been told they don’t look as bad as I think, but when people say “they look comfy” instead of “I love those shoes!” you know you’re not wearing this year’s trend by a long shot.
It’s humbling.
Humbling to relearn how to walk. Humbling to not show up as my “best self.” Humbling to admit I’m not okay. But I know that my commitment and daily consistent choices will create healing and change.
Align with Your Priorities
Consistency and priorities are directly linked. You may say your New Year’s Resolution is to be healthy, but if you consistently eat junk food, you are not aligned with your new goal.
Tackling a lot of priorities or life changes all at once can be overwhelming, so I’ve initiated a new protocol for myself this year. Focus on two key priorities per month. If your actions align with those top two priorities, then it’s an important action in your day. If it’s not related to those top two priorities, it’s lower on the list.
My top priority this month is health, so in addition to the Grandma shoes, every day I take action on what aligns with health. I sleep more. I went to acupuncture yesterday. I listen to my body and give it what it needs. I eat healthier. I put healing wraps on my foot, etc.
What is a priority for you this year? What do you want to cultivate in this new decade? What is actually important to you and your life? Not what you think should be important. What actually fills your heart and excites your spirit?
“A Thousand Mile Journey Begins with a Single Step.” I am clearer now than I have ever been that every step matters. Choose your path wisely and every day you are closer to your dream and the new life you seek.