For reasons we can’t always explain, there are hobbies we just love and can keep doing without much effort. But outside of those passions, consistency often feels incredibly hard.
It’s something everyone “knows,” yet very few of us deeply understand.
Think about it:
Languages, new skills, healthy habits—we set clear goals, feel highly motivated, and yet somehow we don’t keep going. Temptations pull us away. Work, chores, childcare take priority.
We start to wonder
“Was my motivation not strong enough?“
Maybe. But perhaps we’ve also fallen into the belief that “as long as I’m motivated this time, consistency will naturally follow.”
The truth is, when it comes to things outside of pure fun, the key is to prepare strategies for consistency before you even start.
Step 1: Identify your obstacles
If you already know you struggle with consistency, the first thing to do is reflect on why you’ve stopped in the past.
- You planned to start running, but gave up because it always seemed to rain.
- You began a diet, only to get invited to dinner right away.
- You joined a gym, but felt unsure how to use the machines—soon you stopped going.
- You promised yourself 3 sessions a week, but work rarely finished on time.
These moments—when motivation drops and obstacles appear—are worth remembering.
Because consistency isn’t simple. In fact, it might be the hardest part of the whole process. But once you can see your specific obstacles clearly, you’re already closer to finding solutions.
Step 2: Plan your countermeasures
So what can you actually do? Here are some examples:
- If you plan outdoor cardio, always have a rainy-day backup workout.
- If a diet gets interrupted by social meals, call it a “cheat day” and balance your calories elsewhere.
- Treat training with the same importance as a big work project. If possible, schedule workouts in the morning before work begins.
- If you’re unsure how to train or eat, consider working with a coach. Online coaching makes this easier than ever.
These are just examples, but the point is: if you know your patterns, prepare alternatives. That way you won’t fall into the same traps again and again.
As Duolingo’s CEO Luis von Ahn once said: “Consistency is the hardest part.”
And he’s right—once you break through that wall, not only will you see results, but you’ll start to experience the true joy of the journey.
Key Takeaways
- Make consistency itself one of your goals—not just the outcome.
- Raise its priority in your life.
- Identify your weak points and prepare backup plans.
Some say it takes 28 days to form a habit. While that’s not scientifically guaranteed, testing yourself for 28 days could be an interesting challenge—less about perfect results, more about proving to yourself that you can stick with it.
And finally, to those reading this who have managed to stay consistent—you deserve real credit. What feels “normal” to you might be the very thing others struggle with the most. So take a moment, and give yourself the praise you deserve. 👏