Consistency. (Patreon)

How to stay consistent?

Consistency is often seen as complicated and forced, giving rise to challenges and feeling like a chore when the need to maintain it arises. It requires sustained effort and commitment, demanding unwavering dedication to achieve the desired outcomes. In the pursuit of consistency, one encounters various complexities and nuances, both internally and externally. Internal factors such as emotions, thoughts, and desires can sway us from the consistent path we strive for. External pressures, societal expectations, and changing circumstances also pose obstacles to maintaining consistency. In short, don’t blame yourself for failing to stay consistent; that is normal. Consistency holds a crucial place within the workings of our minds. It's something our brains naturally align with and prefer, which is why we develop strong recurring beliefs and thoughts that shape how we see and interpret life. This tendency explains why people often have a negativity bias and make quick assumptions based on preconceived notions. When negative patterns become deeply ingrained in our brains, they become our default way of thinking. Our brains tend to side with these familiar beliefs as a protective mechanism, even if they may not always reflect reality accurately; they feel familiar and are backed by experiences and memories. In essence, our brains act as faithful companions, relying on consistency to make sense of the world. By reinforcing certain beliefs and thought patterns, our brains establish them as fundamental truths that influence our perception and responses. This reliance on consistency allows us to navigate life more efficiently, but it can also lead to biases and assumptions that limit our perspective. However, it's essential to recognize that consistency doesn't have to trap us within narrow viewpoints. It invites us to cultivate self-awareness and engage in introspection. By acknowledging the impact of consistency on our thinking, we can actively seek out diverse perspectives, question our assumptions, and broaden our understanding. In easier terms, you can start to recognize patterns between your consistent thoughts and your consistent experiences, thoughts do create. When you maintain consistency despite facing unfavorable circumstances, a powerful realization dawns upon you: this unwavering commitment becomes the very essence of your life's story. You stay consistent in your current circumstances, you experience your current circumstances; over and over. It molds your perception of the world and influences the experiences you encounter. This profound connection between consistency and your subjective reality stems from the narratives you create within your own mind. In the complex fabric of us silly little humans, our beliefs and thoughts serve as architects, constructing the framework through which we interpret the world. They shape our interactions, experiences, and overall outcomes. By staying consistent within the confines of our current circumstances, even if they appear unfavorable, we inadvertently reinforce a narrative that aligns with our chosen mindset. This “self-imposed” (Not literally, most of what you identify as/with is external.) framework becomes the lens through which we view and make sense of our experiences. Again, the thoughts and beliefs we consistently reinforce influence our perception, directing our attention towards elements that validate our existing narrative. We become attuned to evidence that supports our perspective, while unconsciously filtering out or downplaying information that challenges it. (Which is why you have limiting beliefs/doubts. It’s not because your doubts make sense or are factual, it’s because that’s what you tell yourself and end up experiencing.) Consequently, our consistent thoughts and self-talk exert a powerful influence, shaping the reality we ultimately encounter. Sticking to a consistent path can be a real challenge, even though it's super important for achieving success. So, how can we stay consistent? Well, first, let's acknowledge that it's not always easy and understand why it's hard. Knowing the reasons behind our struggles can help us navigate those moments when we feel tempted to slip back into old habits or routines. Once we're aware of the importance of consistency, we can focus on practical strategies. Know that it can be a bit tricky without freaking out about it setting you back, it’s completely normal for it to feel heavy. It’s not necessarily your fault, like I said earlier, it’s a simple instinctive reaction of the mind. Short answer would be, you just sit through it. You persist no matter what; but I'm sure you’re tired of hearing that, which is why I always start my articles with very long explanations so you can hear me out without scratching your head, clueless. Now it makes a little more sense to say, “persist, stay consistent!” If you sit with yourself and think about your current circumstances with everything you’ve read so far in mind, you will recognize undeniable patterns and maybe even find their source. I’ll save you the boring lecture, I’m pretty sure that you know how things unfold by now; (I assume you’ve been reading my previous articles as well!) but I am willing to guide you, and if that includes me having to repeat the same thing to you over and over, then so be it. Sometimes the thing you need the most is a reminder, which is also the reason as to why I come on here every week with a new article; I want you to stay consistent, which means that I want you to actually start your journey rather than gather information left, right and center while staying on autopilot, letting your mind just wander in the old story you wish to change. I’m sure this is very underwhelming, but to stay consistent you just need to stay consistent. Literally. I know it can be tricky, and it’s normal if it is; but now that you know why it’s tricky, you can be the one in control instead of allowing your emotions to guide you and lead you towards unfavorable outcomes. When you understand the why and the how, everything makes sense; and now you will see it clearly. When you will affirm/think for the new story, make a conscious effort towards your desires and eventually feel the urge to go back to the old story; you will understand why it happens (Consistency is favored by the mind!), you won’t feel completely hopeless and uncertain. When you persist and continue moving forward, the narrative you consistently tell yourself begins to shape your reality. This powerful shift in mindset gradually replaces the ingrained negativity bias that may have held you back in the past. By consistently reinforcing positive thoughts and beliefs, you create a new story. As this new narrative takes hold, it becomes your default mode of thinking, and you find yourself naturally aligning with its empowering messages. It's not just about positive thinking; it's about actively choosing to rewrite your inner dialogue and consciously shaping a mindset that supports your actual desires. By immersing yourself in this newfound positivity and consistency, you inevitably create new experiences. The power lies in your hands to shape your own story and manifest the experiences that reflect your newfound mindset. Allow me to emphasize the crucial importance of consistently reminding yourself that the outcomes you desire are bound to manifest. It is essential to avoid unnecessary worry or concern regarding results that you claim to have already achieved. After all, if you consistently affirm to yourself that you already possess what you desire, why would you suddenly revert back to expressing doubts or contradictory beliefs? Take a moment to reflect on the thoughts you are cultivating within your own mind and the messages you are projecting outward to the world. Consider the narratives you are constructing and the energy you are emanating. By reinforcing the belief that you already have what you want, you are creating a powerful mindset that aligns with your goals. It would be counterproductive to undermine this mindset by entertaining doubts or contradictory statements. Instead, focus on the positive self-talk and affirmations that support your desires.