The Real Key to Success? Just Keep Showing Up

Let’s be honest – most of us have had that frustrating moment of looking back and thinking, “If only I’d stuck with it…” Whether it was the workout routine you abandoned, the business idea you never launched, or the book you meant to finish writing, inconsistency often feels like the silent villain in our story.

It’s not a lack of dreams or ambition holding us back – it’s the stopping and starting. The flurry of excitement that fizzles out when results don’t come fast enough. And when we look at others who did stick to it, it can feel like they’re superhuman. But they’re not. They’re just... consistent.

Real Talk: What Could Have Been

Think about something you’ve wanted to achieve – maybe learning a new language, growing an Instagram following, or finally getting fit. Now imagine how far along you’d be if you had done a little bit every single day. Not huge leaps. Just small, steady steps.

A lady I know started walking 15 minutes a day to get active. It didn’t feel like much at first – but she never missed a day. A year later, she’d lost 12kg, had more energy than ever, and was training for a 10K. Her secret? Not intensity – consistency.

It’s easy to romanticise the big wins. The viral post. The overnight transformation. But in real life, the magic happens in the not-so-glamorous, everyday effort.

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Time

Here’s where many of us get stuck: we wait for the perfect time to start. Monday. Next month. After the holidays. But consistency doesn’t wait for the stars to align – it just starts. Imperfectly. Right now. (Seriously, I feel like I’m writing this article for myself! )

Consistency is a muscle. And honestly, we all struggle with this at times. If you haven’t flexed your consistency muscle in a while, that’s okay. Start small. Choose one goal and commit to regular action. Track it. Celebrate it. And when life inevitably gets messy (because it always does), don’t quit – adjust.

And the truth is, every time you start over, it takes more energy. So instead of chasing perfection, choose progress. You’re not behind – you’re building.

Adopt a "Progress Over Perfection" Mindset

Perfectionism is a sneaky trap. It whispers, “If it’s not going to be perfect, why bother?” And suddenly, you’re stuck in indecision, self-doubt, or procrastination.

A friend of mine wanted to start a blog. She obsessed over the design, the logo, the “About Me” section. She waited six months before publishing a single post. Meanwhile, someone else launched her blog with a simple layout and just started writing. A year later? She had a loyal audience and brand partnerships.

Messy progress beats perfect inaction every time.

Expect Roadblocks – and Plan for Them

You’re going to hit bumps. Motivation will dip. Life will get in the way. That doesn’t mean you’re failing – it just means you’re human.

Let’s say your goal is to save $5,000 this year. You start strong, but an unexpected bill throws you off. Instead of giving up, adjust. Maybe you skip takeaways for a month or sell a few unused items. Flexibility helps you stay in the game.

Or maybe you want to lose weight, but a stressful week has you reaching for the chocolate. That’s not failure – it’s feedback. Notice the trigger, regroup, and keep going.

Why Lifestyle Habits Matter More Than You Think

Your ability to be consistent in one area often reflects your lifestyle in general. Think about it:

If you're staying up too late and dragging yourself out of bed, your energy for gym sessions or creative work is already drained.
If your calendar is jammed with commitments that aren’t aligned with your goals, it’s no wonder you “don’t have time.”

One woman I coached realised she was saying yes to everyone else before herself. Once she started blocking out just one hour a day for her dream business, things began to shift. She didn't overhaul her life – she just reclaimed a little piece of it.

Create a schedule that works with your reality. Maybe that’s 30 minutes a day or a couple of hours twice a week. Don’t compare it to someone else’s. Consistency doesn’t have to mean daily, but it does have to mean regular.

Take Breaks – But Don’t Break the Habit

Burnout is real. If you’re tired, it’s okay to pause. But pausing doesn’t mean quitting. The goal is sustainability. Give yourself time to rest and reset – just like a marathon runner paces themselves rather than sprinting from start to finish.

If you’re trying to grow your online business and feel drained, take a Sunday off – but commit to picking it up again on Monday. If you’re on a fitness journey, skip a workout when needed, but don’t let a missed day turn into a missed month.

Think of it like brushing your teeth. You don’t skip a week because you missed one night. You just pick up the toothbrush and go again.

What’s Stopping You – Really?

When you look at a goal you’ve struggled with, ask yourself honestly:

Am I overwhelmed because the goal feels too big?
Am I trying to be perfect instead of making progress?
Am I letting distractions derail me?
Do I even know where to start?

Break it down. Instead of “Write a book,” start with “Write for 20 minutes three times a week.” Instead of “Make $10,000/month,” start with “Sell one offer this week.” Build confidence through action.

Surround Yourself with Support

While you don’t need someone checking in on you every day, having a supportive environment makes a huge difference. Join a group, follow role models who inspire you, or share your goals with someone who’ll encourage – not criticise – you.

If you’re trying to be consistent with content creation, join a challenge where others are doing the same. If you’re on a health journey, follow others sharing realistic progress – not just before-and-after photos.

Remember, success isn’t about being flawless. It’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. Even when no one is watching. Even when you’re not sure it’s working – because one day, it will.

You’ve got this.