We’ve all been there. You start a new habit with excitement and motivation, but over time, that energy fades. The enthusiasm that fueled your daily commitment turns into uncertainty, and soon, you’re back where you started. I get it—staying consistent is hard.
There’s this constant question that nags at the back of your mind: How do some people manage to be 100% productive all the time?
PS: They don't...
If you’ve ever asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Building habits that last isn’t about flawless execution every day. It’s about showing up consistently, even when motivation dips, and gradually making those behaviours second nature. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be consistent.
So, how do you do that? How can you create lasting habits and stay on track?
Let’s dive into some simple strategies that will help you build and maintain habits for the long run. Spoiler alert: It all starts with adopting the right mindset.
1. Set Clear, Meaningful Goals
To stay consistent, you first need to have a reason. Why do you want to build this habit? What will it bring to your life? Maybe you want to run twice a week for better health, or perhaps you want to read more because it broadens your horizons. Whatever the reason, it has to be clear and meaningful to you.
When your “why” is strong, it acts as a guiding star on days when you feel like giving up. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of starting a new habit, but what will keep you going when the newness wears off is remembering why you started in the first place.
Think about it: Have you ever made a decision based on someone else’s influence and then found it hard to follow through? That’s because your heart wasn’t in it. You didn’t have a personal reason to stick with it. But when something truly matters to you—whether it’s your health, personal growth, or even your finances—that’s when consistency starts to feel less like a chore and more like a choice that aligns with your values.
2. Start Small, Build Gradually
Building long-term habits doesn’t happen overnight. It’s easy to get carried away with ambitious goals, thinking you’ll dive in headfirst and make a considerable change. But here’s the catch: Consistency thrives in small, manageable steps.
Take running, for example. It’s tempting to tell yourself, “I’ll run five times a week, no excuses!” But is that realistic when you’re just getting started? Instead, try starting with a more achievable goal: Running twice a week for 20 minutes. You can always increase the duration and frequency once you’ve built momentum.
The key here is starting small and gradually increasing your commitment as you grow more confident in your ability to stick to it. This approach reduces the pressure and makes consistency feel less overwhelming. Plus, the more you succeed at hitting small goals, the more motivation you’ll have to keep going.
3. Build a Habit Contract with Yourself
Think about the commitment you make when signing a contract. It’s an agreement that you’ll honour, right? Now, imagine building a similar “contract” with yourself to establish a strong sense of accountability. This contract is your commitment to follow through, no matter what. Even on days when you don’t feel like it, this contract reminds you that you’ve made a promise to yourself—and you’ll stick to it.
A personal commitment contract could look something like this: “I commit to reading three times a week, no excuses because reading enriches my life and broadens my perspective.” Keep this contract in a place where you can see it regularly, or write it down and refer back to it when you’re feeling doubtful.
The power of this contract lies in the fact that it’s not just a goal—it’s a promise. You’re creating a standard for yourself. And when you treat it like an agreement you must uphold, it helps reinforce your resolve, even when the going gets tough.
4. Consistency Over Perfection
One of the most common misconceptions about building habits is that it’s all about perfection. People think that if they miss one day, they’ve failed, and they throw in the towel. Here’s the truth: consistency is about showing up, not about being perfect.
There will be days when life gets in the way, or you’ll just feel too tired to complete your habit. And that’s okay. The important thing is that you don’t use those moments as an excuse to give up altogether. It’s the recovery from a setback that matters most.
For example, let’s say you miss your run this week. Instead of beating yourself up about it, remind yourself that you’re in this for the long haul. Get back on track as soon as possible, and don’t let that one mistake dictate your overall success. The key is to keep moving forward, even if you stumble.
Remember, it’s the small, consistent actions that lead to lasting change. It’s not about being flawless—it’s about persevering through the ups and downs.
5. Create a Routine Around Your Habit
One of the easiest ways to ensure consistency is to make your habit part of your daily routine. When something becomes a regular part of your schedule, it’s harder to forget about it or push it aside. You might set a specific time each day to engage in your habit or link it to an existing routine.
For example, if your goal is to read more, you might decide to read for 10 minutes every morning after your cup of coffee. The key here is to anchor your new habit to something that already happens regularly, like drinking coffee or brushing your teeth. This way, your new habit becomes a natural extension of your day rather than an extra task to remember.
Having a set time each day to work on your habit reduces decision fatigue and makes it easier to follow through, day after day.
6. Track Your Progress
Sometimes, it’s hard to see progress when you’re deep in the trenches. That’s why tracking your progress is so important. Not only does it give you a sense of accomplishment, but it also helps you stay motivated to continue.
Use a simple habit tracker or journal to record your progress. For example, you could mark off each day that you complete your habit or take a note of how you’re feeling about it. Seeing those small wins add up will remind you that you’re making strides toward your goal.
Tracking your progress also helps you identify patterns and obstacles. If you notice that you’re consistently skipping your habit on certain days or times, you can adjust your routine to overcome those barriers.
7. Be Patient with Yourself
Building habits takes time. It’s a journey, not a sprint. In the beginning, it might feel like you’re not making much progress, but trust the process. Every small step counts. Celebrate your wins, however small they may seem, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks.
Building habits that stick is about more than just doing the right things—it’s about cultivating an attitude of resilience and persistence. Your future self will thank you for sticking with it.
Conclusion: Keep Going, You’ve Got This
Staying consistent with your habits doesn’t require perfection; it requires a mindset shift. It’s about finding your “why,” setting realistic goals, and showing up day after day—even when it’s hard.
It’s about making a commitment to yourself and then sticking to it, no matter what life throws at you.
So, take a deep breath. Start small. Build a routine.
And remember, every small action you take today brings you one step closer to the person you want to become tomorrow. Stay consistent, and watch how those small habits create significant changes over time.