Consistency does NOT mean "Perfection": Cont'd

When working with clients, coaching and conversations are geared to help clients create CONSISTENCY in their health habits, mindset and lifestyle. Consistency does NOT mean "perfection" however, and I believe this is STILL getting lost in translation. We SAY we "get it" but then we don't speak to ourselves or treat ourselves in the same way. I posted a story about a client last year with a VERY similar discussion and now here's another I wanted to share.

A client a while back was discussing her daily habits with me. In that discussion she said "I'm doing it more, but not consistently." I asked her "What does 'doing it more' mean?". When she shared it with me, I come to learn that meant MOST days of the week. In her specific case 5/7 days. THAT IS BEING CONSISTENT! THAT is also practicing moving away from the ever-present "All or Nothing" mentality that is EVERYWHERE in ALL things today!

Consistency does NOT mean every, single day. Some weeks, sure it just might! Other weeks it might work out to 4 or 5 days in the week. You know you're being CONSISTENT when you can look back on the past 3, 4, or 5 weeks and say "MOST days of the week I did my health habits that I set out to do!". Over time, that consistency of MOST days of the week/month is going to amount to big changes and impact on your health and wellbeing... without "perfection" necessary.

This quick reminder is where hiring a Health & Wellness Coach (or similar professional) to walk with you and guide you is helpful. More often than not, people would get discouraged in this EXACT same scenario.

"I didn't do it EVERY DAY, so I 'FAILED'"...

"I got busy two days last week, so now I guess I'm 'STARTING OVER'"...

"Since I didn't do it every day, I guess this just isn't what's going to work for me"...

Every single one of these is very REAL and very much the kind of BS that we tell ourselves in our minds!! Having that person to bounce these conversations and thoughts off of can help keep you ON the path that leads you to healthier lifestyle habits and sustainability in those practices.