Tag: Fitness

Tips for Building Consistency and Discipline

by natkp11, posted in inspiring

In life, we often start something with high energy and enthusiasm, only to feel that motivation wane over time. Whether it’s a fitness goal, career milestone, or personal project, staying consistent is often where the real magic happens. But when those inevitable moments of doubt or lack of motivation creep in, pushing through can feel like an uphill battle. The key is to remain consistent, even when the going gets tough.

When I first started my swimming journey, there were so many days where I felt like throwing in the towel, especially when progress seemed slow. One particular day, I remember barely being able to complete ten lengths of the pool. But instead of giving up, I reminded myself that every step, no matter how small, was still progress. By focusing on that, I was able to push through, and after the 20 lengths mark something in me shifted. I ended up swimming 64 lengths on that day and now strive to complete that at least once per month.

Why Consistency Matters: Consistency is the foundation of progress. Whether it’s building strength, growing a business, or nurturing relationships, small, daily actions compound over time to create lasting results. It’s not about massive efforts all at once but rather about showing up, even on days when we feel like quitting.

Consistency builds habits, and habits are what carry us through when motivation wanes. This is where discipline and the long-term vision take over. Think of it like planting a tree—watering it every day, even when it seems like nothing is happening. Over time, roots grow deeper, and one day, the growth becomes visible.

Overcoming the Urge to Give Up: It’s natural to feel like giving up at times. We might think, “What’s the point?” or “I’ll never get there.” But this is precisely the moment when consistency becomes most important. Here are some ways to combat that feeling:

  • Remember Your “Why”: When motivation fades, it’s helpful to reconnect with why you started in the first place. Was it to improve your health, provide for your family, or find personal fulfillment? Keep that reason front and center.
  • Break It Down: Feeling overwhelmed by a big goal can make you want to throw in the towel. Breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks can help you see progress more clearly.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize every small achievement along the way. These wins fuel your motivation and remind you that progress is happening, even if it’s slow.

Have you ever felt like giving up on a goal? What helped you push through those tough moments?

Tips to Stay Motivated: When you’re lacking the drive, here are some strategies to stay consistent:

  1. Set a Routine: Build consistency into your day by scheduling your tasks at the same time. This builds a habit that becomes automatic.
  2. Accountability: Having someone to check in with, whether it’s a coach, a friend, or even social media followers, adds a layer of accountability. You’re more likely to stick with your goals when you know someone else is watching.
  3. Visual Reminders: Keep reminders of your goals visible—whether it’s a vision board, a calendar with progress marked, or daily affirmations. These visual cues keep your end goal top of mind.
  4. Track Your Progress: Logging your daily actions, no matter how small, shows you the bigger picture of progress. This can be incredibly motivating on days when you feel like you’re standing still.
  5. Practice Self-Compassion: There will be days where you falter. The key is not to let a setback spiral into giving up. Be kind to yourself, and remember that consistency is about showing up more often than not.
  • For the Perfectionist: Sometimes, it’s not about doing things perfectly, but just showing up. Progress over perfection.
  • For the Social Butterfly: Surround yourself with people who share your goals or join a community with similar interests.
  • For the Goal-Oriented: Create milestones within your larger goal and celebrate when you reach them.
  • For the Emotional Decision Maker: Journal your thoughts and feelings when you feel like giving up. Getting them on paper can help you see things more clearly.

What strategies have worked for you when you’re feeling unmotivated?

Conclusion: Consistency isn’t about being perfect every day; it’s about sticking with your journey even when things get tough. When motivation fades, discipline, small wins, and remembering your why will carry you forward. Keep showing up, and over time, you’ll be amazed at the transformation you create in your life.

So the next time you feel your motivation waning, remember—small, consistent efforts lead to big results. Pick just one tip from this list and start implementing it today. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; consistency doesn’t come from motivation alone, but from discipline and perseverance. How will you take that next step?

Diving in Head First: How I Quit Smoking After 32 Years

by natkp11, posted in Fitness, personal journey, Uncategorized

January 14th, 2024—It started like any other day but ended as the day that would change my life. I had just finished reading The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr. Yes, that book. I had been clinging to it like it was some kind of holy scripture. I smoked my last cigarette, went to bed, and told myself, “This is it.” And for the millionth time, I thought: “Tomorrow will be different.”

Well, spoiler alert: it was.

I woke up determined. I was a woman who had finally had enough of stinking like an ashtray. I was tired of hacking up a lung every morning. I could no longer convince myself that I was still young enough to be invincible. Nope. Not anymore. That morning, I made the decision to stick through the withdrawals. And trust me, it wasn’t pretty. There were moments when I felt like I was fighting a dragon in my head but it wasn’t so much the habit.

I had already made up my mind that my smoking had been habitual, and I was fully prepared to give up the habit. It wasn’t too bad reminding myself that the cravings were just the nicotine screaming to be topped up in my body.

The hard part was going through the withdrawals. When we smoke, we make a trillion excuses as to why we can’t quit. But what it comes down to is that little poison named nicotine is what makes us feel that way. I think the book helped me garner a good understanding on nicotine addiction. This is what shaped my mindset when I gave up. I understood it wasn’t going to be easy. I had the shakes, I was sweating. If people hadn’t been aware that I was quitting smoking they probably would have assumed I was addicted to far worse substances. By day three, it had really come to a head and I felt awful. Run down, tired, just well… meh. But I stayed strong and really pushed through. My immune system took a battering but it really was worth it.

The real magic happened the following week. That was the moment when I knew this was about more than just quitting smoking. I went for a sunrise walk with my eldest son—a walk that felt more like a rebirth than a stroll. The air was fresh, my lungs were screaming (but in a good way this time), and everything felt… peaceful. I was present. Like, really present. Not distracted by thoughts of when I could sneak off for a cigarette or whether I’d stashed enough for the day. Later that day I took my sons for a swim at the local pool and that is how I rekindled my passion for swimming.

The very next morning, I did something I hadn’t done in years—I got in the pool on my own, lane swimming. Yes, folks, after 32 years of smoking, this former fish decided it was time to remember how to swim. It was a disaster at first, but I kept at it. I felt rather embarrassed that I couldn’t even swim 50 meters without having to stop to get my breath back. Even more embarrassing, was that I took nearly 20 mins to recover.

After the first few swims, I decided to buy a membership to keep me motivated. I invested in a smartwatch to monitor (‘satan-o-meter’ as my partner affectionately named it) and help me keep track of how many lengths I was doing. About 3 months in and I was already seeing results. I was swimming about half a mile each time and I would make a point of swimming one mile once a month just to push it. By July I was taking a swim test to prove I could qualify as a lifeguard and by the beginning of August I had passed the NPLQ course.

Fast forward to today, and I still can’t believe it. After countless failed attempts to quit, here I am. Smoking is a thing of the past, and in its place is a whole new me. It’s as if quitting unlocked this massive treasure chest of opportunities I didn’t even know existed. Opportunities to get fit, to feel better, to live better.

It wasn’t just about quitting smoking; it was about opening doors that had stayed locked for far too long. And now? I feel myself pushing past my own limitations. Which that, in itself feels amazing.

Have you been considering quitting smoking? Have you tried to quit in the past? Or maybe you’ve been a non smoker for some time now. I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.

If you are looking for some extra support to give up, I also offer a coaching service. Fill in the contact form to get in touch. The first consultation is free of charge and no obligation.