If you are human, chances are that you find yourself grappling with the challenge of being disciplined and consistent, especially when it comes to wellness and fitness goals!
In the modern world, it often appears that everyone has their act together, showcasing their triumphs and achievements. Who wants to post those moments when they're simply lounging on the couch, right? I've lost count of the times I've been asked questions like, "Do you practice yoga everyday?" or "You must be incredibly fit since you do yoga daily," or even "Running every day is impressive!".
So, why is it that many of us stumble when it comes to maintaining discipline and consistency? Having observed my yoga students, coaching clients, friends and of course myself, I have noticed a common misconception:
People often equate discipline and consistency with the idea of doing the SAME THING with the SAME INTENSITY every single day.
Due to this people either fall into the trap of constant achievement, often leading to boredom, burn out or injury. Or they are consistently inconsistent, leading to self doubt and regret. To achieve our desired results, we do not need to do something every single day with the same intensity. In fact, in many cases, adhering to a rigid daily routine can do more harm than good. The answer lies in finding the BALANCE
Nature itself is in a constant state of change and evolution, and so are we. The key is to become more attuned to these changes. Are you aware that some days your body feels agile and strong, while on others, it may feel less responsive and fatigued? Are you in tune with your emotional fluctuations, understanding that some days you may be worried, stressed, or sad, while others bring happiness and serenity?
So how can you find your balance when trying to be disciplined and consistent?
Setting clear and realistic health goals is important, but understanding the true intention behind is the key. Write down your weekly, monthly and yearly intentions - WHY do you want to achieve your particular goal?
Choose fun paths: There are many ways to achieve your goal if your intention is clearer. Health and Wellness are an essential part of life, but we also have other parts to our life like our community and relationships, our work and responsibilities. How can you mix these worlds ? Maybe go running with your child, walk with your dogs, dance with your friends. Gym is not the only way!
Find a community: Group energy is an incredible force to either push you if you are slacking or calm you down if you are over pushing.
Be disciplined by showing up everyday, but honour your body’s needs for that day. This is where cyclic living comes in! Get attuned to your breath cycle and the cycle’s in nature - the sun cycle, the moon cycle and the seasonal cycles.
Be consistent by staying true to the intention of your goal. Detach from the result of your action.
And above all do not forget to Enjoy the journey!
It's not just about mindlessly repeating the same actions; it's about listening to your needs and adjusting accordingly. Remember, the path to self-improvement is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and that's what makes it beautiful. You have got this!
If you want to learn more about this Transformative Philosophy of living a life of BALANCE inspired through the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, you can check out my ONLINE course: Ayurvedic Living in the Modern World