How to Stay Consistent (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)
Let’s be honest — staying consistent is hard. Especially when life throws curveballs, your energy tanks, or motivation is nowhere to be found. And yet, consistency is the thing that moves the needle. Not perfection. Not waiting for the “right time.” Just showing up more often than not.
So, how do you actually keep going when you’d rather do anything but?
1. Lower the bar (strategically)
Consistency doesn’t mean smashing PBs every session or meal-prepping like a nutritionist. It might mean a 20-minute walk instead of a full workout. Or scrambled eggs for dinner when the plan was a roast.
Done is always better than perfect. The goal is to keep the habit alive — even if it’s a tiny version of what you intended.
2. Stop relying on motivation
Motivation is like that flaky friend who shows up when it’s sunny and disappears when you need help moving house.
Discipline is what keeps you going when motivation can’t be bothered. Build routines that don’t require decision-making. Keep your gym bag in the car. Set alarms. Prep food. Automate as much as you can.
3. Have a plan — but stay flexible
Knowing what you’re doing helps massively. That’s why I always give my clients a structured program. But life will throw off your plans sometimes. Instead of scrapping the whole week because Tuesday didn’t go to plan, adapt. Shift your workout. Swap meals. Change the order.
Flexible consistency beats rigid perfection every time.
4. Make it easier to win
If your plan relies on willpower at 6pm after a long day — good luck. Stack the odds in your favour:
Lay your clothes out the night before
Keep simple, high-protein meals on hand
Train in the morning if you’re always knackered by evening
Book sessions or walks with a friend or coach for accountability
Reduce friction. Create an environment where showing up becomes the path of least resistance.
5. Remember your why
There will be days you won’t feel like it. That’s normal. But when you’ve got a strong reason behind your goals — whether it’s energy for your kids, confidence in your skin, or feeling capable and strong — you’re more likely to keep going.
Write it down. Revisit it often. Let it remind you that this is bigger than one bad mood or a missed session.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep going.
Some days, that means crushing it. Other days, it means just showing up. But if you stay consistent — even imperfectly — you’ll be amazed at what changes.
