It is human nature to want to see results quickly. We tend to start new diet plans and workout plans with high motivation. The problem is that motivation isn’t always going to be there. You will have to value consistency and discipline over short term intensity.
Simon Sinek simplifies the power of consistency:
When working to be healthier, consistency will always allow for a true lifestyle change. It is sustainable. You don’t have to never eat a sweet again or go long periods of time not having something you really want. You can have it in moderation. As long as you stay consistent and don’t give up because you overate or made a bad choice, you will see results over time.
If you struggle with believing that consistency is really key to success when it comes to food and being healthy, I hear you! For a very long time I had a disordered way of looking at food and my choices. For example, if I overate in one meal, or made a suboptimal choice, I would feel like the day is ruined so I should just start over tomorrow. And it sure sounds crazy as I write this, but it was literally how I thought.
One of the things that snaps me out of that kind of thinking is this idea:
Giving up on your goal because of one setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got a flat.
Would you seriously shell out $800-$1,000 for a new set of tires for your car because you got one flat? Of course not. You’d be grateful that you only had to replace one of them.
The same can be said when it comes from overindulging or not being on point for a couple of days when working out. Accept that what happened, happened and that you are not going to punish yourself for being human. Then get back at it.
If you do get it right 80% of the time, you will see more results than if you found the “perfect” plan to get healthy. Like Tim Ferris says, “The decent method you follow is better than the perfect method you quit.”
