He didn’t want me to write about this. My husband is a fairly quiet, private introverted sort of guy. He’s never seen the inside of a gym and you won’t find him pumping iron or joining me at kickboxing. He walks. Almost every day. In 2014 he walked a total of 2,001 miles and clocked 3,912,212. Now THAT is consistency and it should be celebrated. It an example of the power of taking the first step, no matter what the goal, and then the next, and the next.
Here are the ways I’ve witnessed him ensure that he stays the course.
He tracks his progress. He IS, however, a gadget guy, so having a device that provides instant feedback and cumulative data keeps him on track. Data can be a powerful motivator.
He makes no excuses. As I write this it is dark and 17 degrees out, yet that does not deter him.
He always has a plan. When he sees inclement weather in the forecast he plans on a longer route the day before, or you may find him at Whole Foods making sure he gets up and down every aisle, more than once.
He makes it enjoyable. He loves music and devours podcasts so his daily walk is fun so loading is iPhone with plenty of both makes the time pass quickly.
He prioritizes and builds in a reward. It is not uncommon to hear him say “I’m going to walk then I’ll be home to watch golf.” Identifying the reward before beginning can be a wonderful motivator.
Whether your goal is big or small, taking it one step at a time is a sure path to success. The first step is often the hardest, but look where it can take you.
This is what consistency looks like. It starts with the first step. And it should be celebrated.