by Linda-Ann Stewart
Over the past couple of years, Robin gained 30 pounds. Looking
back to see what had created the extra weight, she realized she’d begun a new
job two years ago that had included donuts in the break room. Every day, she’d
grab one or two of them. Because of the unconscious habit she’d developed, eating
more calories than normal, she’d gained an unwelcome amount of weight.
Have you ever noticed that when you do something over and
over, it not only becomes a habit, but it has a certain outcome? This may be a
goal you want for yourself, such as a healthier lifestyle. Or you may receive a
result that you didn’t want, like gaining weight, as Robin did. But when you
consistently take the same actions, you’re going to reap the rewards or the
consequences of what you’re doing.
For instance, Carol got into credit card debt by not paying
off her balance at the end of each month. Instead, she’d regularly let $50-$100
dollars pile up each cycle because she didn’t have the extra money to apply to
it. Carol didn’t realize that each month she was spending more than she made.
The same idea happens to smokers. Earl didn’t start out
smoking 2 packs a day. His smoking increased slowly as he associated more and
more situations and activities with a cigarette. When any of these circumstances
surfaced during the day, he’d reach for another hit of tobacco. Eventually, he
built up to his 2 pack a day habit.
Each of these examples didn’t get to an overwhelming level overnight. It took a constant series of the same actions over a period of time that changed a little problem into a big one. There are many other challenges that are like these: personal, professional, lifestyle, financial, and health. Big problems don’t form in an instant. They build up slowly over time as you perform one action on top of another to create a habit that results in your challenge.
What You Need to Be Able to Change
If you want to change the problem,
you’ll need consistency and discipline to do so. Just as the problem built up one
decision and action at a time, you’ll need to take one step at a time to undo
it. You’ve had the issue for a long time. It won’t be undone in a few days.
The solution is the same as what created your problem.
Success comes from taking a specific action over and over again. Take small
consistent steps that chip away at the issue. It’s like turning a car around in
a narrow road. You have to back up and pull forward a number of times before
you can go in the opposite direction.
The same is true of making these changes. It may take a few
months, a year, or even several years to get to your goal. But if you don’t make
the changes, your problem will continue to grow.
Whatever goal you desire, choose sustainable actions you can take that will move you in that direction. When you do, think of the outcome that you’re aiming for. This will help to keep you motivated, even when the results are slow in coming.
Why Consistency Is Important
Your choices and behaviors communicate to your subconscious
that you are willing to do what’s necessary to achieve your goal. Consistency
means there aren’t any mixed messages impressing your subconscious. As long as
you’re true to moving in the new direction, the Law of Attraction will begin to
draw whatever you need to fulfill your mission.
For instance, the way to lose weight is to eat fewer
calories than you expend each day and include regular exercise. If you want to
pay off debt, reduce expenditures each month and apply that money to pay down
your credit cards or other debts. To increase your business, create a plan to
consistently reach more people through networking and marketing. If building
your savings is your goal, commit to putting a minimum amount of money in that
account each month.
For greater peace of mind, meditate every day. Using
affirmations each day will impress your subconscious to make an improvement in
your life. To move towards your goal, you have to focus on where you want go
and decide to move in that direction.
Consistent actions created the life you have now, and
consistent actions will create the new life you want. When you’re persistent in
making decisions that result in different behaviors, then you’ll receive the new
outcomes that you want. Choose your goal, create the steps to get there, and
then take them one at a time. The journey to your future begins with the steps
you take each day. Consistency is the key to your success.
Affirmation:
When I’m consistent in my thoughts, decisions and actions, I communicate what I want clearly to my subconscious and the Universe. Every action I take leads to greater success and fulfillment. The Universe completely supports my endeavors. I am Divinely Guided in my choices and direction.
As a vision strategist, hypnotherapist, and speaker, Linda-Ann Stewart helps women entrepreneurs and small business owners who feel stuck, immobilized and overwhelmed to to get clear, focused and on the fast track to the next level of their business. To achieve a 90-day goal more easily, sign up for her FREE comprehensive Strategic Vision blueprint at
www.Linda-AnnStewart.com/setyourcourse.html. You can contact her at LAS@Linda-AnnStewart.com or 928-600-0452.
