Here’s a hard truth: consistency requires doing things when you don’t want to do them. But here’s the bright spot: your long-term goal requires consistency a lot more than intensity.

Sit with that for a minute.

If I want to hit my exercise goals, it’s important for me to practice on a regular basis or I stand to lose endurance and strength. Realistically, there will be time periods where I hate the gym, where I can’t prioritize it, or where something limits my ability to go. Here, I try to remember to be satisfied with a day or week with less intensity than I would normally exercise. There’s a big difference in my attitude toward a 30-minute workout vs. a 60-minute one. If I don’t abuse this practice, i.e., allow this week to turn into six months, then I get to maintain momentum while also allowing for rest. Once I’m rested and re-engaged and can prioritize it, I bring the intensity level back up.

Consistency unlocks momentum and discipline. Momentum motivates and inspires by showing us all the progress we made. Discipline says we don’t care what progress we’ve made – this is our job, and we show up for it no matter what. Momentum + discipline is the jab + cross for achieving things.

The work you put in today generally helps you in tomorrow’s work, puts you in a better position to learn, grow, achieve, overcome. Sometimes we let our definition of progress get in the way. Read up on how to redefine your idea of progress so you don’t let it get in your way.

If you want to work with a coach who will keep you accountable to your progress, consistency, and intensity just as much as your rest and enjoyment, go ahead and schedule a free consultation with me here, or keep learning about coaching on my site.

Go get ‘em this week.