How do you prevent your phone’s battery from dying?
You probably have chargers scattered around—in your home, by your bed, at your desk, in your car, and so on. This way, no matter where you are, you have a way to keep your phone charged and ready to go. But have you ever considered that this approach could also apply to building consistency in other areas of your life?
Many believe that staying consistent with fitness (or any goal) is all about having more discipline and willpower. While those traits are helpful and necessary to some degree, they can only sustain you for so long before they run out. Just like your phone’s battery, your discipline and willpower can deplete, leaving you struggling to stay on track.
The real secret isn’t in finding more discipline and willpower but in crafting an environment that demands less of them. Imagine if you could set up “chargers” for your habits and goals just like you do for your phone. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time: When you plan your meals a day in advance, you create a scenario where it’s harder to stray from your diet. You’re less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or make impulsive food choices when you have a clear plan.
2. Keep Tempting Foods Out of the House: When you keep tempting foods out of the house, it becomes more challenging to eat them because it requires leaving home. This simple step reduces the need for willpower because the temptation isn’t right in front of you.
3. Schedule Your Workouts: When you schedule your workouts a week ahead, you are more likely to follow through since you’ve already allocated the time. Treating your workouts like any other important appointment ensures that they become a non-negotiable part of your routine.
4. Find Accountability Partners: When you have a friend or coach holding you accountable, you stay more consistent because it’s not just about you anymore. Having someone to check in with can provide the extra push you need to stay on track.
These strategies don’t require more discipline, willpower, motivation, or mental strength. They simply make good choices easier and poor choices harder. By setting up your environment to support your goals, you reduce the need for constant self-control.
Our advice: instead of trying to push yourself harder, make it simpler to put in the necessary effort. Create an environment that supports your goals and makes success more attainable. Just like you ensure your phone is always charged, set yourself up for success by making it easier to stay consistent.