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I know. I’ve been AWOL since May and here I am writing about consistency. Well, believe it or not, this bumpy ride to consistency has taught me so much and I’d love to share my lessons with you today.

Most of you are aware that I work professionally as a content writer and copy editor. That means I literally go through thousands of words on a daily. So I actually didn’t abandon writing if that’s what you thought.

Being a creative is mentally tasking especially when your job demands that you put your creativity to use. I complained bitterly about burnout sometime in September which led me to take a week off work. One good thing about creativity is that you get better at what you do provided you put in the work and remain consistent.

How to be Consistent

These past 6 months proved to me that consistency doesn’t have to be burdensome and stressful. Here’s what I learned;

1. Continuity is key

Consistency is aimed at making you better given that there’s continuity in the mix. Set realistic goals that fit into your schedule and be fully committed to them. Life happens and sometimes we just want to throw in the towel and call it a day. Please, always remember that failure is imminent when you quit. We move!

2. Be disciplined, yet flexible

Having a schedule aids discipline. However, make your schedule flexible in such a way that you don’t feel undue pressure. For example, I can decide that my blog posts must be published before every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month as opposed to choosing an exact day for it. This gives me ample time to write and still stick to my schedule without being pressured to publish on a particular day. Find out what works for you and be disciplined enough to follow it through. The aim is to balance your work, side hustle, hobbies and life.

3. Stop relying on Motivation

Sounds strange right? But it makes a whole lot of sense. Stop waiting to be motivated before taking action. In a world full of a gazillion motivational quotes especially on Mondays, you simply can’t rely on your emotions to get the work done. Again, discipline comes into the picture. Stick to your schedule as much as possible. Motivation is good but don’t sit around waiting for it to propel you into action.

4. Be accountable

Find one or two persons who you can be accountable to in your support system. They should be able to follow you up on your schedule and ensure that you’re on track. Your accountability partners are positioned to keep you committed to your long-term goals.

5. Keep learning

Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more that you will know…” For it is in doing, that we become better. Doing equates learning which also equates consistency. I’m grateful that my job involves me using my writing skills. Everyday is an opportunity for me to learn something new.

6. Focus on your “Why”

Why do you do what you do? For me, I enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences through writing. I find fulfilment in my skill as it is a source of income for me. Knowing this pushes me to be consistent and not ever think of quitting. So I ask you, what is your “why”? Find it, focus on it and remember that you’re not in competition with anyone but yourself.

I’d like to also use this medium to encourage anyone struggling with consistency. My message to you is to not quit. It’s okay to take time off to care for your mental health when things become overwhelming but never stop doing what you do. Dismiss the feeling that makes you think it’s embarrassing to make a comeback. Remember, it’s better to keep trying than to do nothing at all.

I’m grateful to everyone who asked about my blog during my absence. Your messages were heartwarming and encouraging. 2021 has been a year of survival. I hope to share the story with you someday.

How do you stay consistent? What practical steps do you take to keep you focused and grounded? I’ve missed reading your thoughts so feel free to share with me in the comments section below.

Cheers!