Find Three Consistent Practices

Everywhere you look on the internet you can find an article, a tik tok video, or a link to an inspirational youtube video that is marketed as containing “life-changing” material. While I certainly don’t think the people creating this content are doing so with negative intentions, the unfortunate truth is there isn’t a short list of habits you can start that will totally change your life position and overall outlook on life. Truly changing who you are and where you are in life is a long battle, and in my opinion, a battle that is never ending. Through my own experience I have found that I am happiest when I am most productive, and most productive when I am the most motivated. With that being said, motivation, productivity, and contentment will vary throughout your life, and sometimes even in a 24 hour period. Because of this, I have found that maintaining a relative level of consistency allows me to maintain my spurts of motivation and productivity for longer amounts of time. I think that the reason why this works is due to the fact that your body and brain are constantly learning, so teaching your body to push through a lack of motivation (even on the days that it hurts) builds up your ability to maintain a consistent and productive lifestyle.

The first consistent practice that I try to maintain is a “grounding” practice. It's a quiet time, usually in the morning and at night where I reflect on the day and set goals to improve my actions. Goals and values in life can vary, I for one am religious so I usually spend a good amount of time in my Bible and in prayer during this time. I find that it recenters my focus on what I believe really matters in life and sets me on a good path for the day in the morning and the coming day at night. Other practices you could use during this time are reading, meditation, having meaningful conversation with a friend/loved one, or even just resting in silence. This is not something I have always done, but I find it improves my mood and allows me to be a better version of myself.

The second consistent practice I maintain is a “physical health” practice, usually a workout in the gym. I’ve always found that some amount of physical exercise in a day leaves me feeling refreshed and ready to attack any other tasks I have to complete. In fact, I have noticed a decrease in my morale when I go more than a day without exercising, almost as if I intensify as my body yearns for a physical release. This “physical health” practice doesn’t have to be a gym workout with weights. It could be yoga, running, walking the dogs, or any other form of activity as long as your body gets moving for at least 10-15 minutes. As my life will undoubtedly become busier, I will always strive to lay out some amount of time each day to get out and move around, in whatever capacity it may be.

The third and final consistent practice I maintain is what I would call a “personal enjoyment” or a “hobby”. This is something that you love to do, but oftentimes will sacrifice for whatever other obligations you may have. Currently, as I am working full-time, Maxed Wellness is my “personal enjoyment”. Being able to have something else that you are passionate about that isn’t your 9-5 can be an awesome release. This can include things like volunteering, starting a side-hustle, joining a club/organization, and so much more. Being passionate about something other than work has been energizing for me because, let’s be honest, work gets old. It doesn’t matter the job, the salary, or the respect, we all have days where it is an absolute battle to do it all over again. Setting aside time to work towards something you are passionate about (and most importantly not forced to do!) is quite refreshing.

Overall, these were three consistent practices that I incorporated into my life. I recommend you to try some out, and don’t feel bad if it's hard to be consistent at first. I still have stretches where I slack at the above practices, but I always end up coming back because they help me so much.