How to Finally Stay Consistent with Anything

Summary

This video breaks down the concept of consistency into three levels: Level 3, natural consistency, which is effortless and ingrained in survival; Level 2, trained consistency, where habits become routine with continued effort; and Level 1, forced consistency, which relies heavily on willpower and rewards. The key takeaway is that consistency doesn’t happen overnight—by focusing on one habit at a time, starting with forced consistency, you can gradually train your brain until the habit becomes automatic. Ultimately, consistency transforms from a practice to an identity, creating lasting change in your life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consistency is a game with three levels: natural, trained, and forced consistency.
• 😀 Natural consistency, the highest level, is automatic and linked to survival instincts, as seen in our ancestors' daily routines.
• 😀 Our ancestors' consistency was not about discipline but about survival, with their brain rewarding them for tasks like cooking, cleaning, and farming.
• 😀 Entrepreneurs experience natural consistency because their brain links their work to freedom, legacy, or impact.
• 😀 Many people fail at consistency because they expect instant natural consistency without understanding the process of building it.
• 😀 Forced consistency occurs when you push yourself to do something, but it feels like a struggle with little to no rewards in the beginning.
• 😀 At the forced consistency level, you should focus on just one habit at a time to avoid overwhelming yourself.
• 😀 To overcome the resistance at the forced consistency stage, pair the habit with something pleasurable to create artificial rewards for your brain.
• 😀 Trained consistency is the next level, where you begin to develop a rhythm, but motivation might still be low.
• 😀 At the trained consistency stage, showing up is more important than performance. Even showing up briefly or messily counts.
• 😀 Eventually, consistency becomes a part of your identity, no longer requiring effort because your brain recognizes you as the type of person who shows up consistently.

Q & A

What is the key difference between natural consistency and forced consistency?

Natural consistency occurs when a habit becomes automatic and effortless, driven by strong emotional or survival-related rewards, whereas forced consistency requires effort, willpower, and often feels like a struggle, as the brain hasn't yet associated the habit with a positive emotional reward.

Why do people often struggle with consistency in the beginning?

People struggle with consistency because they start expecting the ease and automaticity of natural consistency right away, without realizing that they must first go through the stages of forced and trained consistency. This lack of understanding can lead to burnout and feelings of failure.

What role does brain science play in building consistency?

Brain science plays a crucial role in building consistency because the brain rewards behaviors that contribute to survival, such as food, shelter, and safety. As a result, when a habit is linked to these survival-related goals, the brain supports the habit with emotional rewards, making it easier to stay consistent.

How does the concept of survival relate to consistency in our ancestors' daily lives?

Our ancestors were naturally consistent because their survival depended on completing daily tasks like cooking, farming, and shelter building. These activities were necessary for survival, so their brains automatically reinforced these behaviors, making them feel effortless.

What is the significance of creating a reward during forced consistency?

During forced consistency, your brain doesn't yet associate the habit with positive emotions or rewards, so it’s important to create your own reward system. This can include pairing the habit with something pleasurable, like listening to music or treating yourself after completing the task, to help build motivation and create a positive feedback loop.

What is the rule to follow during the second level of consistency (trained consistency)?

The key rule during trained consistency is not to chase intensity but continuity. It's more important to show up consistently, even if the effort is minimal, rather than trying to perform at your best each time. This helps reinforce the habit and builds momentum.

Why is showing up, even when the effort is minimal, so important in building consistency?

Showing up, even with minimal effort, signals to your brain that the habit matters and is part of who you are. This regularity helps shift your identity from someone trying to build a habit to someone who simply does it as a natural part of life.

How can focusing on one habit at a time help build long-term consistency?

Focusing on one habit at a time helps avoid overwhelming your willpower and energy. By directing all your efforts toward building a single habit, you reduce the risk of burnout and increase the chances of successfully embedding that habit into your routine.

What is the long-term effect of consistently practicing a habit from level one to level three?

The long-term effect of progressing through the levels of consistency is that the habit becomes automatic and ingrained in your identity. As a result, consistency no longer feels like a deliberate effort but becomes a natural part of who you are.

What should be the primary focus during the first stage of forced consistency?

The primary focus during forced consistency is to push through resistance and establish the habit, even if it’s not enjoyable at first. It's crucial to remember that this stage is about creating the foundation for the habit, not about immediate results or intensity.