The only way for the water to make these rocks smooth and round is for it to run over them consistently. If the water ran only once in awhile, the rocks would not be this smooth. If it is one thing I've learned in my adult life it's that consistency is the key to success in just about everything. Okay, so talent and ambition and other things play a part, but consistency is the key. Let me tell you how I know.
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I enjoy reading and learning so over the years, as a homeschool mom, I've done a lot of it. There's always some new challenge to tackle or a new method to try. I've read books, listened to webinars and podcasts, paid for courses and they always say the same thing: If you are not consistent in implementing a, b and c, it isn't going to work.
Consistency is the Key to Homeschooling
Pretty obvious, right? But how many times do we not have a plan and try to wing it? The best years we've had as homeschoolers were the ones where we didn't have too many things that would interrupt our homeschooling schedule. You know I'm big on scheduling, but when we have activities and appointments and phone calls that constantly interrupt our days, the homeschooling becomes much more stressful and not as successful.
If you don't have a plan and homeschool on a wing and a prayer, then try being consistent by making a schedule. Make one that works for your family and then implement it every.single.day. Not just occasionally. Every day. Greater consistency means less stress.
It is Definitely the Key to Parenting
Confession time. I think I have more parenting books than any other kind. I was always up for the new "how-to" book on the market. Bring this up with my kids and I'm sure you'll get an earful. Each one of them probably has a different story about the method I was using at the time.
Were any of them successful? I don't really think so. Not because of the method but because of me. If it is one thing I am not, it's consistent with discipline. My kids are older now so I can admit that I'm a pushover and they figured that out pretty early on. If I had just had the gumption to stick to one method of discipline and implement it consistently, well, life would have been very different.
My advice to those of you with small children, pick a method of discipline, any method that you like, and implement it every time! Yes, it is hard and tiring and time consuming, but I know you'll end up better off in the end.
Consistency is the Key to Building
a Stronger Prayer Life
Here again, if you want to grow your relationship with the Lord, you have to be consistent in talking to Him. Just like a friend, if you don't keep in contact, the friendship dwindles.
Do you want to see amazing things happen? Set up a prayer routine, whatever will work for you at this time in your life, and do it. Do it every day. If you do this you will see that God will be faithful to you in amazing ways.
Does it matter what prayers you say? Does it matter where you go or who you pray with? No. The key to building a strong relationship with God is to talk to Him all the time. Start your day by checking in with Him and you'll be off to a good start.
Want to Get in Shape or Lose Weight?
Yep, you guessed it. Consistency is the key to that, too. I know you know this but sometimes we need to hear it over and over again. If you want to change your diet or lose weight or get in shape, be consistent. Have a workout schedule and a meal plan. These things will keep you on track.
Again, it doesn't matter how you decide to do it. You can run, lift weights, eat Keto or Paleo or Whole 30. None of it will matter if you don't do/follow it all the time.
So how do you become consistent? Check out my 5 Concrete Actions to Becoming Consistent.