Creating new habits sounds exciting at first, until real life steps in. One day, your schedule gets thrown off, the rhythm you’ve worked hard to build is disrupted, and suddenly you’re standing at a crossroads. Do you take the detour and give yourself a break? Or do you find a way to stay on the path, even if it looks a little different for a while?
How a Forgotten Book Taught Me the Power of Consistency
Recently, our family went on a vacation. It was a chance to unplug, unwind, and build memories together. When we arrived and began to unpack, I realized that I had forgotten to bring a book that I’ve been reading each night. Over the past few weeks I’ve been working hard on a personal goal of putting my digital devices aside at night and picking up a book instead. This one small shift has made a big impact for me. I’ve noticed that reading before bed helps me fall asleep faster and it is helping me to wake up feeling more rested. It’s a habit I’ve been proud of building, but that commitment was tested on this trip.
When I realized that my book was missing from my bag, and still sitting on my nightstand at home, I knew my nightly routine would be thrown off. At first, I was tempted to shrug it off and say, “Oh well, it’s a vacation anyway. I can take a break from my habits too.” But deep down, I knew this was one of those moments that mattered.
Building Habits That Stick: Even on Vacation
That’s when I noticed something. My nine-year-olds had brought a few books with them! They were stuffed in their crowded backpacks and ready for the trip. (I could definitely write a whole article about the importance of being prepared, and how my twin boys taught me a good lesson, but we’ll stick to the principle of consistency for this one.) They were way more prepared than I was!
So, instead of skipping my reading altogether, and turning into my old habit of grabbing my phone and scrolling before bed, I asked if I could borrow one of theirs. With wide smiles on their faces, they excitedly agreed.
For the rest of the trip, I read their books each night before bed. It obviously wasn’t what I had planned, but I was proud of myself for sticking with the habit. I was staying consistent in a small way. And honestly, it turned out to be a fun little twist. I got to see what they were reading and even had a few good laughs along the way.
Consistency Isn’t Perfection—It’s Persistence in Small Moments
This experience reminded me that consistency doesn’t require perfection, it simply requires persistence. Even when things aren’t ideal, doing something that aligns with your desired habits and goals keeps the momentum alive.
Research from James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, supports this idea. He explains, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” And systems are built through repetition, not just dramatic effort or perfect circumstances. The more consistently you repeat a behavior, the more it becomes part of your identity. Missing one day doesn’t break a habit, but the decisions you make in moments of disruption are the ones that shape who you’re becoming.
When Life Disrupts Your Routine, Stay Consistent in Small Ways
No matter what goal you’re working toward, whether it’s improving sleep, building strength, growing a business, or deepening your faith, consistency is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. It’s not about doing it perfectly every time. It’s about showing up, even when it’s inconvenient, even when your plan gets thrown off, even when all you’ve got is a kid’s chapter book and a flashlight while on a vacation.
Because it’s in those small, quiet decisions that real change is made. And those are the moments that matter most.
Quote to Ponder
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
Question to Consider
Do I hold an “all or nothing” mindset when it comes to habits, or am I willing to adapt and stay consistent in small ways?
Consistency Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect – Tips on How to Stick With Your New Habits
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