When it comes to developing new habits or trying to improve upon existing ones, it is easy to get caught up in the idea of perfectionism. We often think that in order to be successful, we need to do everything perfectly from the start.
The saying “start small and increase in time” is often used in business and personal development circles alike. The problem is that many of us get caught up in the idea of perfection and never start taking action because we’re waiting for the “right” time or situation.
The truth is, there is no perfect time or situation. The only way to achieve our goals is to start taking action – even if it’s just a small, consistent step.
Studies have shown that it is better to start small and then gradually increase the difficulty level or amount of time spent on the new activity. This allows us to develop consistency and avoid burnout. Consistency over perfection is a much more effective strategy for achieving our objectives.
Here are some tips to stay consistent:
- Think about food on a spectrum of healthy, not just good or bad.
When you’re trying to eat healthy, you might think that all fruit is created equal. However, that’s not the case! The reality is that there are big differences between whole, fresh fruit and processed fruit products like apple juice and applesauce. While both options might contain some vitamins and minerals, the processed versions are often high in sugar and lacking in fiber. They also generally have a longer shelf life, which can come at the expense of nutrition. So, next time you’re reaching for a healthy snack, make sure to choose whole fruit over processed fruit products! Your body will thank you for it.
- Allow some flexibility in your habits.
This means that if you miss a day or two, don’t beat yourself up about it. Just pick up where you left off and keep going. The most important thing is to not give up. Forming new habits takes time and effort, but it is definitely worth it in the end. So, be patient and keep at it!
- Try new meals.
This may sound like a counterintuitive approach but hear us out. Trying new meals helps to break the monotony of your routine and gives you a chance to explore new flavors and textures that you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to try. It also forces you to be more mindful of what you’re eating and how it makes you feel, which can help you to make better choices overall. So, if you’re looking for ways to add more variety to your diet and to practice consistency, we recommend trying new meals. Bon appetit!
- It’s ok to have a sweet or salty treat from time to time.
Consistency doesn’t mean that you have to eat the same thing every day. It’s ok to have a sweet or salty treat from time to time. However, the key is to make sure that these treats are part of a consistent, overall healthy eating pattern.
