Consistency is…
Consistency Isn’t About Perfection; It’s About Showing Back Up
Have you ever had the idea that I need to show up 100% or nothing at all? Or maybe that because you didn’t check off everything on your list, you were not consistent that day?
Have you ever seen this image? It’s a favorite, here’s why.
When we set out to achieve our health goals, whether they’re about fat loss, running a race, building muscle, or reducing medications, the desire for progress can lead us into a mindset where each effort feels like it has to be flawless. But true consistency—the kind that leads to real, lasting results—isn’t about showing up perfectly every single time. Instead, it’s about showing back up, especially on those days when things didn’t go as planned.
Consistency Over Perfection
If you’ve ever found yourself discouraged after a missed workout or an indulgent meal, you’re not alone. It’s easy to believe that missing a step somehow sets us back or proves we’re not “doing it right.” However, a consistent habit of showing back up—especially after setbacks—is what keeps the journey moving forward. This means allowing room for imperfect days and focusing instead on the power of returning to your habits.
Why Showing Back Up Matters
Healthy habits, like working toward fat loss, increasing your stamina to run, or improving muscle mass, are built through small, repeated actions over time. These daily actions accumulate, leading to results that can improve your quality of life. However, expecting flawless execution can hinder progress. Here’s why showing back up matters more:
1. Sustainable Change Is Gradual: Drastic overhauls rarely last because they require perfectionism that simply isn’t realistic. By focusing on showing back up, even after an imperfect day, you’re prioritizing long-term success over short-term “wins.”
2. Resilience Is Key to Lasting Progress: Each time you show back up after a setback, you build resilience. And resilience is what separates short-lived attempts from lasting lifestyle changes. Learning to respond to setbacks positively reinforces your commitment to your goals.
3. Momentum Builds Progress: Consistent effort over time, no matter how small, creates momentum. Think of each workout or balanced meal as adding a brick to a building. Each one contributes, and missing a brick or two doesn’t dismantle the entire structure. Showing back up ensures you keep building on your foundation.
Examples of Showing Back Up
Whether you’re aiming to lose fat, build strength, improve cardiovascular health, or transition off certain medications, the path will have its twists and turns. Here’s what showing back up might look like in a few real-life scenarios:
Fat Loss Goals: Maybe you’ve had a few days of heavier meals or missed workouts. Showing back up could mean refocusing on nourishing foods and getting active again, not beating yourself up over past choices.
Training for a Race: Missed a few training days or had an injury? Show back up by listening to your body, focusing on rehab if needed, and re-adjusting your timeline if necessary.
Building Muscle: A skipped session or lower-energy week happens to everyone. Instead of viewing it as a setback, show back up by setting small goals for the next few days, like focusing on getting enough protein or prioritizing sleep.
Reducing Medication Dependence: Managing health conditions with lifestyle changes can be challenging and may involve trial and error. Showing back up could mean working with your healthcare provider to make incremental improvements, celebrating small victories, and focusing on manageable lifestyle adjustments.
Tips to Keep Showing Back Up
1. Redefine Success as Consistency, Not Perfection: Embrace the idea that every effort counts, even if it’s not perfect. A single salad, a short walk, or a day of rest are all wins.
2. Plan for Setbacks: Life will inevitably throw curveballs, and planning for them helps you stay on track. If a busy week is coming up, find small, achievable actions, like drinking enough water or squeezing in short movement breaks.
3. Focus on Small Wins and Celebrate Them: Celebrating small milestones helps reinforce the habit of showing back up. Consistent wins, no matter how small, build confidence and strengthen your commitment.
4. Rely on Community and Accountability: Surrounding yourself with supportive people who also value consistency can make all the difference. Whether it’s a training group, a coach, or an accountability partner, the encouragement of others can be the reminder you need to keep showing up.
Achieving your health goals doesn’t require perfection; it requires commitment and resilience. Remember that the magic happens in the act of showing back up, again and again. Each imperfect day is an opportunity to prove your dedication by starting fresh. The journey to better health isn’t about perfect adherence—it’s about the courage to return, keep going, and make those small, meaningful efforts add up over time.
So the next time you feel you’ve fallen off track, remind yourself that consistency isn’t a straight line and doesn’t require 100% every time. Consistency is showing BACK up.