Starting the Year with a Flexible Mindset for Consistency

We're one week into the new year. How are those resolutions and goals holding up? If you're like most people, you started 2024 fired up and full steam ahead on your plans to exercise more, eat healthier, spend less money, etc. But now the initial excitement has faded and real life has kicked in.

This is the point where many resolutions fall apart. Motivation wanes and schedules get disrupted. It's easy to use that as an excuse to ditch your goals altogether. But what if you reframed obstacles as opportunities?

This year, approach consistency with a flexible mindset. Life will inevitably throw off your routine. Plans will change. You'll get busy and stressed at work. You'll have family obligations. You'll get sick or injured. These are certainties.

Rather than seeing disruptions as a reason to quit, view them as a chance to adapt. Don't scrap your goals completely - figure out how to adjust so you can keep progress going.

For example, if you planned to hit the gym after work but need to stay late, can you wake up 30 minutes early and fit in a quick home workout? If you got invited to dinner at the last minute, is there a healthy dish you can request or appetizer you can eat lightly?

The key is being creative and committed to finding a way forward rather than throwing in the towel at the first roadblock. Progress will ebb and flow, so build in flexibility.

Also, remember that one missed workout or healthy meal isn't going to undo all your hard work. Progress isn't linear. Let me say that louder for the people in the back… Progress is not Linear! Some weeks will be harder than others. What matters is the overall trajectory over time.

This year, give yourself grace, knowing plans will change. But don't let that derail your goals completely. Adjust, adapt, and keep moving forward consistently, even if it looks a little different day to day. Consistency coupled with flexibility is the key to lasting change.

I recently had a great conversation with Jami Crist on her podcast The Radical Female all about this topic of flexibility, surrendering unrealistic expectations, and consistency with careers and families. We discussed healthy habits and routine ideas as well as actionable strategies for adapting your goals when life throws curveballs. Check out the episode here to learn more!