Let Go of Perfect Consistency

Consistency is a Myth: Why Perfection Doesn’t Have to Be the Goal

In a world where productivity hacks, success stories, and Instagram-perfect routines are the norms, we’ve been led to believe that consistency is the ultimate key to achieving our goals. The idea of being consistent, relentless in our pursuit of improvement, has become an almost sacred mantra. But what if I told you that consistency, in its strictest sense, is a myth?

Let’s take a deep breath and unpack this together.

How many times have you set out to stick to a “perfect” routine, only to watch it fall apart a few days later? Maybe you promised yourself you’d work out every morning, or that you'd write in your journal every night, or perhaps you vowed to eat healthier. But life, as it tends to do, got in the way. Suddenly, those habits feel impossible to maintain. You skip a day, then another, then another, and before you know it, you’re beating yourself up about how “inconsistent” you are.

But here’s the thing: that’s normal. In fact, it’s the reality for everyone. Consistency? It’s more of an ideal than a rule.

The Morning Gym Struggle

Remember that time you woke up super motivated, convinced that you were going to hit the gym at 6 AM for the rest of the week? You set your alarm, laid out your workout clothes, and even packed a water bottle the night before. Then, the alarm goes off, and your bed feels so much warmer than that 45-minute sweat session you envisioned. You press snooze, and before you know it, an hour has passed, and the gym? Well, that’s out the window.

It’s easy to feel like a failure, but here’s the reality: life happens. You didn’t fail—you just needed rest. Sometimes your body and mind aren’t in sync, and that’s okay. The key isn’t about being perfect at sticking to a plan; it’s about finding a balance that works for you. Maybe tomorrow you’ll hit the gym, or maybe you’ll take a walk instead. Both are okay.

The “I’ll Write Every Day” Goal

Or how about when you decided you were going to write every single day for a month? You even made a fancy calendar, planned out the perfect writing schedule, and started strong with a couple of pages that felt pretty good. Then life threw a curveball—an unexpected work project, a sick day, or a family emergency—and suddenly, writing became the last thing on your mind.

A few missed days snowball into guilt, and before you know it, the whole idea of writing every day feels impossible. But guess what? Missing a few days doesn’t erase your progress. It just means you’re human. Life doesn’t operate on a linear schedule, and neither should your creativity. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it doesn’t. The important thing is that you’re still creating, even if it doesn’t look like you imagined.

The Healthy Eating Roller Coaster

We’ve all been there: you’ve set out to eat healthier, cutting out junk food, planning meals, and buying organic vegetables. But then, one day, you’re running late for work, and the only thing you can grab on the way out is a granola bar. Or you’re at a family dinner, and your aunt’s homemade lasagna just won’t be ignored. The next thing you know, you’ve fallen off track and feel guilty for eating something “unhealthy.”

But here’s the thing: one meal doesn’t define your entire health journey. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Life isn’t about sticking to a strict, perfectly balanced routine every single day—it’s about making choices that work for you and being kind to yourself when you fall short. You can enjoy lasagna and get back to your healthy eating habits tomorrow.

The Myth of Perfection

The truth is, consistency, in the way we often define it, is a myth. Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of distractions. What makes us resilient isn’t sticking to a rigid schedule every day—it’s how we adapt and keep going, even when things don’t go as planned.

Maybe you didn’t hit the gym every morning this week, or maybe you didn’t write in your journal every night. But you know what? That doesn’t mean you won’t reach your goals. It just means you're taking the long way around, and that's perfectly fine. In fact, it might even be better for your mental health to stop holding yourself to that impossible standard.

"Consistency is overrated—progress comes in waves, not straight lines."

Giving Yourself a Break

So how do we move forward when consistency feels impossible? By being kinder to ourselves. By recognizing that we’re allowed to fall off track, as long as we’re still willing to get back on. Success isn’t about flawless routines; it’s about showing up, even in small ways, and forgiving yourself when life doesn’t go according to plan.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to follow a strict schedule. You just have to keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps are.

Life’s Not a Perfect Routine—It’s a Journey

Life isn’t about checking off boxes on a to-do list. It’s about navigating the ups and downs, being adaptable, and learning to find joy in the imperfect moments. So, the next time you miss a workout, skip a writing session, or eat that second slice of cake, remind yourself that it’s all part of the journey.

You’re not “inconsistent” or “failing.” You’re just living your life, with all its beautiful messiness. And that’s more than enough.

So take a breath. Cut yourself some slack. You don’t need to be consistent every single day. You just need to keep showing up, however that looks for you. Because in the end, the best thing you can do is to be kind to yourself along the way.