Consistency in an inconsistent schedule – part 1

The easiest way to make any change you want to implement is to have a consistent schedule. After a few weeks of always working out at the same time, your mind and body both learn to expect it. You build a routine around it that makes it easier, so your kit is ready, you’ve eaten at the right time and you have the tools you need.

Consistent practice becomes a well worn path that is easy to follow. This isn’t just true of fitness, but applies to any life goal which requires us to put effort in.

But real life isn’t always like that. As we go through life we take on more responsibilities in our work and home. These often require us to change our schedule from week to week, making it hard to get the consistency. A child who is ill, a work trip three hours away, a leak in the bathroom – we’re not skiving, we’re genuinely needed.

But one missed workout becomes two, three and suddenly we’re staring at a whole pile of guilt and frustration, wondering why our best intentions yet again failed to translate into reality.

If this is your life, you need a different way to plan, something that is robust enough to deal with daily life. I’ve pulled together some ideas that may help. This is quite long, so I’ve split this into several separate posts.

But the most important thing is give yourself grace. Be a kindly coach to yourself, not a sergeant major.

Juggling modern lives is not easy. But there are things we can do to make it easier.

Part 2 – a workable plan

Part 3 – when things don’t go to plan