C for Change

I talk to my clients a lot about consistency. In fact, this is probably one of the words I use most whenever I discuss long term change and results, with pretty much anyone - clients, players and coaches.

It's definitely one of my favorite C's. 

In the catchball coaching course (three C's for you right there!) I developed and taught for the USACA, I mentioned a few of these C's early on in the course.

I talk about commitment, communication and, you guessed it - consistency, as three of the the six key ingredients for successful team building. 

I believe that almost any process is doable with the right ingredients, and consistency is high up that list.

If you think about it, there are no real quick fixes in life, and no easy ways of getting anything of real value done. If you're trying to lose weight, changing the way you eat for one day, or week, or even a month will not be enough (yes, you can lose a few pounds in a short amount of time but you will gain it back pretty quickly without a long-term change).

"The best program is the one you stick to", is my answer whenever I'm asked about "the best way to"... (complete this sentence with whatever comes to mind, from losing weight to gaining muscle and anything else in that ballpark). 

And of course, this is probably the part most people have a hard time with, possibly more than any other ingredient that affects their success.

I've seen many people not give up for years, despite not having the best starting point or life circumstances, and eventually get the results they were after. I've also seen quite a few that had a pretty solid starting point, who were closer to their goals than most - but failed to reach them simply because they couldn't stay consistent over time. This happens in fitness/nutrition, in sports, of course, and I'm sure we all know stories like these from other areas in life. 

The question remains: if we all know what we're supposed to be doing and what will almost certainly get us the results we're after - how come most of us have such a hard time staying consistent over time? 

Many articles, even books, were written about this question, so I guess it's a tough one. The truth is - I don't know the answer either. I doubt there is one. What I can do is share some insight based on my own experience, but instead I'll finish this post with what I tell my clients when they start my program, especially the ones who have a clear issue with staying motivated (that's pretty much the first thing they'll share with me).  

I tell them that they need to find something about their new healthier routine that they can really connect with, maybe even enjoy a little. 

I ask them to find an activity that they actually like and see themselves doing for many years, like playing a sport. Or learning to enjoy eating healthier (then feeling and looking better thanks to it). Or taking long walks every day to help them stay active and de-stress.

Because the truth is, if all you're feeling towards the change you're trying to make is frustration and resentment, and all you can focus on is the pain and not the gain - then consistency will always be an uphill battle for you. And if that's the case, it will most likely be a battle you'll keep losing.