Recognizing no cure exists, following a consistent lifestyle without a silver bullet to magically manifest instant success feels overwhelmingly unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and undeniably impossible. New to an everlasting lifestyle without break or interruption, that all obstacles, self-sabotage, and deterrents along the way are a component along a continuous path, we discover lessons of consistency, perseverance, and habit-forming practices to guide us.

To commence upon a passage through life as your new way of being, a lifestyle of small steps inch towards a cumulation of repeatable actions. Daily, the initial intention to practice a particular path of eating, exercising, and self-care is executed. Focus, mindfulness, and intention guide the unexercised muscle to motivate, strengthen, and elongate daily. Each day flows into the next, until the sharpened practice is ingrained, where ritual and habit require less effort, but need continued dedication.

When obstacles exist, resilience to retract from the ground where we fell, stand up, and dust the distraction off, is imperative to the process. Learning to bounce back from the interruptions that rile us, the saboteurs that attempt to derail us, and the celebratory events of revelry that disengage our lifestyle practices, are training for triumph. The ability to adjust to obstacles in our path, engage our strength to persevere against the disabling fences that attempt to knock us down, ensure our success. Walking through, around, over and under these hurdles are struggles’ path to resilience.

Consistency over time can be viewed from this riddle. Would you rather have three million dollars immediately or a penny initially that will double its total amount daily for 31 days? Many claim their three million, not recognizing that the latter choice results in more than ten million dollars.  An example of losing 26 pounds in eight months is a slow and steady loss. While life is continuous, losing and maintaining over a year or two is a plan in patience. Particular practices utilizing cumulative results may not seem significant initially towards long lasting change, but compiled, gain headway seemingly miraculous over time.

“Clean” eating without calorie restriction, bootcamp classes that draw improvement in small increments at every workout, and emotional healing of the inner self gradually, conjoin to create copious outcomes. With continuous consistency, patience and persistence, achievement and goals are attainable. The reliability of “steady and consistent wins the race” is a proven strategy to the finish line, where maintenance awaits. Quick fixes may establish immediate gratification, but long term sustainability and success is about consistency.