ELI5: how to stay and maintain consistency

What does it mean to be consistent?

Being consistent means doing the same thing over and over again, like brushing your teeth every day or practicing piano regularly [2]. It's like watering a plant a little bit every day instead of forgetting about it for weeks and then dumping a huge bucket on it [2].

Why is it so hard to stay consistent?

Our brains like doing exciting new things, but consistency requires doing the same thing even when it feels boring [2]. You might feel super motivated on Day 1, but by Day 5 that feeling goes away, and that's when most people quit [2].

How do you actually stay consistent?

Start with something really small that you can definitely do, like exercising for just 10 minutes instead of an hour [1]. Make a plan for 4 weeks at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming, and keep a positive attitude about wanting to improve [1][3].

What's the secret to not giving up?

Consistency beats motivation every single time, so stop waiting to feel like doing it and just do it anyway [2]. The key is keeping a strong desire to get better and actively trying to do so, even on days when you don't feel like it [3].