Consistency is the Key: 5 Steps to Making It Stick

Eric & Maleka Beal
Jul 15
5 min read

Updated: Aug 3

Create lasting habits by tackling the old ways of thinking, one intentional step at a time.

When it comes to achieving our goals, we often overlook one key factor: consistency. Whether it’s maintaining a balanced diet, committing to regular workouts, or even sticking to a self-care routine, consistency is what will ultimately get us the results we want.

But let’s be real, consistency isn’t always glamorous. It’s often met with resistance, frustration, and the feeling that we’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of effort with little immediate reward.

Here’s the truth: consistency isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, even on the days when you don’t feel like it.

If you’re tired of starting over and want to make true, sustainable progress, it’s time to build the foundation for consistency. The Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change) can be a powerful tool for understanding how to move from intention to action, so let’s break it down into 5 key steps to create the consistency you need to achieve long-term success.

Step 1: Recognize the Resistance (Precontemplation Stage)

Why this step matters: Before you can create consistency, you need to understand the barriers that are keeping you stuck. This stage is all about awareness: it’s the moment when you finally acknowledge the resistance that’s been holding you back.

Harsh Truth: The real reason you’re not consistent is often because of old mindsets. The “all-or-nothing” mentality can sabotage your efforts before you even begin. Whether it’s procrastination or perfectionism, these thought patterns create roadblocks that make consistency feel impossible.

How to address it:

Action Step: Take a moment to reflect on why you’re resisting consistency. Are you afraid of failure? Do you fear you’re not doing it “perfectly”? Write down your thoughts and identify which limiting beliefs are holding you back.
Real Solution: Recognize that consistency is about progress, not perfection. There will be good days and bad days, but showing up every day, no matter how imperfectly, is the key to lasting change.

Step 2: Make a Conscious Decision to Change (Contemplation Stage)

Why this step matters: This is the moment when you commit to change. It’s about getting clear on what you want and understanding the why behind your actions. Without purpose, it’s hard to sustain any effort.

Harsh Truth: We often think change should happen overnight, but in reality, change is built on a series of small, intentional actions. If you’re expecting immediate results or perfection, you’ll burn out quickly.

How to address it:

Action Step: Clarify your “why.” Write down why consistency is important to you, whether it’s better health, more energy, or feeling more confident.
Real Solution: Once you have your purpose, set small, attainable goals. Break them down into manageable steps. The key to consistency is starting small, so don’t overwhelm yourself with a long list of expectations.

Step 3: Take Small, Daily Actions (Action Stage)

Why this step matters: Consistency is built on the back of action, not motivation. Motivation is fleeting, but consistent actions, however small, add up over time.

Harsh Truth: Many of us make the mistake of believing we need to feel “motivated” to take action. The truth? Motivation follows action. The more you show up, the easier it becomes to stay consistent.

How to address it:

Action Step: Start with one small habit you can commit to daily. It could be drinking an extra glass of water, walking for 10 minutes, or prepping a healthy meal. Make it so simple that you can’t talk yourself out of it.
Real Solution: Create a routine that reinforces your new habit. Consistency thrives in structure. The more you make these habits part of your daily life, the more they’ll stick.

Step 4: Strengthen Your Commitment (Maintenance Stage)

Why this step matters: Now that you’ve started building consistency, the next challenge is maintaining it over time. This is when the mental work truly comes into play, staying committed when things get difficult.

Harsh Truth: We get restless when we feel like we’re repeating the same actions over and over. It’s easy to feel like nothing is changing, but this is where true consistency is built. The effort you put in now will pay off later.

How to address it:

Action Step: Remind yourself why you started. Celebrate small wins along the way. Track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
Real Solution: When it feels redundant, that’s when you need to double down. The mental work required to stay consistent can feel like a struggle, but the key is to trust the process and keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps seem.

Step 5: Make Consistency a Lifestyle (Termination Stage)

Why this step matters: The goal of consistency is to make it a lifestyle, a part of who you are. This is when your new habits become automatic, and the work you put in feels natural.

Harsh Truth: Many people believe that consistency should always feel effortless, but even at this stage, you’ll still encounter challenges. The difference now is that you’ve built a strong foundation, and you have the tools to navigate obstacles.

How to address it:

Action Step: Reflect on the progress you’ve made. Is consistency now part of your daily routine? If not, what can you tweak to make it easier to stick with?
Real Solution: At this stage, self-reflection is key. Check in regularly to see if your new habits still align with your goals. If needed, adjust your routine to fit your evolving needs.

Conclusion: The Power of Consistency

Consistency isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. The key to creating lasting change is focusing on small, intentional actions that build up over time. Structure over struggle: when you create structure in your life, you remove the struggle. Consistency becomes less about willpower and more about developing a daily rhythm that works for you.

Ready to create lasting consistency in your life?

Start by taking one small action today. What’s your first step toward making consistency part of your lifestyle?

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Resources

Prochaska, J. O., & DiClemente, C. C. (1983). Stages and processes of self-change of smoking: Toward an integrative model of change. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(3), 390–395.
Baumeister, R. F., & Tierney, J. (2011). Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength. Penguin Press.