Before our move, my fitness routine was streamlined. Every morning, I did yoga or biked for 30 minutes, and every evening I went for a walk with my fiancé Will. I’d been doing this for months and no longer had to think about it; it was just a normal part of my day.

Post-move, all of that changed. I no longer easy access to a stationary bike, I lost my much-loved yoga DVD in the move, and we fell out of the rhythm of our nightly walks.

It was time for me to recalibrate my routine based on our new setup, but instead of assessing my options, deciding on a new plan, and moving forward, I let myself play it by ear and just see what I felt like doing each day.

Doesn’t that sound lovely? Just letting the chips fall where they may (bonus points if you get the movie reference ;) and seeing what happens. Total permission to show up — or not — based on my mood.

Honoring what I felt like doing in the moment sounded nurturing (or at least it did to me at the time!) but when I slowed down and checked in with myself, I realized I was letting my feelings run the show, avoiding getting started, and giving myself an easy out ahead of time. Basically, I was setting myself up for failure!

I’d lost sight of one of the practices that’s helped me the most when it comes to making real progress in any area of my life…

3 steps to turn things around

Developing this one skill has the power to change your life, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

It's been a game-changer in my business, and most recently it helped me get back into gear with my fitness routine. I'm now in the rhythm of working out every morning and have reinstated the nightly walk ritual!

So, what's the key?!

It’s showing up consistently, especially when you don’t feel like it.

That means…

1. deciding (no more waffling between options or giving yourself an out)

2. planning (+ creating small wins for yourself)

3. following through (regardless of your mood!)

INCONSISTENT ACTION = MIXED RESULTS

When I let how I feel dictate how I show up, the results are inconsistent — because I’m not being consistent.

Maybe you’re one of those rare, magical unicorns who genuinely feels excited to work out each day (if so: what in the world is your secret?!).

In my experience, I rarely feel like working out — so the only way it’s going to happen is if I decide ahead of time, plan out the details, and honor my plan. It’s the best way I’ve found to make big strides forward.

Following through on your plan is what will create the positive feelings you’re desiring anyways, so waiting to feel a certain way first doesn’t serve you.

your turn!

If you’re tired of giving yourself an easy out — in any area of your life! — here’s how I recommend you break the pattern and get into gear:

1. Release judgments and accept where you are right now. Forgive yourself for any ways you think you’ve fallen off the wagon or let yourself down. Acknowledge that you were doing the best you could at that time. Recognize that having the desire to take different action now is already a win.

2. Ask yourself, “how can I set my future self up for success?” and listen to any inner wisdom that comes forward. I suggest taking notes. What would make it easy for your future self to show up? Creating easy wins is always a good place to start.

3. Decide how and when you will show up. Take whatever you think you’re capable of doing and dial it back a few notches so you can easily achieve your goals.

4. Honor the plan you create for yourself, and act in spite of not being in the mood — because being in the mood isn’t a requirement or even relevant here. Prove to yourself that you’re capable of showing up even when you don’t feel like it — that you’re in it to win it, no matter what. Flex that self-trust muscle, and you’ll feel it strengthening a little more each time you follow through.

5. Try it for at least 30 days. This is another reason I recommend starting with smaller wins that are easy to accomplish. You want to create a plan that’s sustainable, and doable for the long-run. So, test it out: commit to the process for 30 days and track your progress — whether that’s logging things on your calendar or using stickers in a planner or sharing wins with a friend.

Remember: it’s normal to not feel like doing something. Don’t let that be a reason not to do it. Trust that former you has the back of current you, and keep setting yourself up for success!

You got this,