
When it comes to achieving your fitness goals, motivation often feels like the magic ingredient. But here’s the truth: motivation is fleeting, and it won’t always be there when you need it most. What really moves the needle? Consistency. At Reach Athletics, we believe that showing up—even on the days you don’t feel like it—is the key to lasting results. Right now our members are working through a Consistency Over Comfort Challenge and leveraging working smarter while pairing it with community support.
James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, breaks down exactly why consistency matters and how to build it into your routine. Let’s explore two of his most powerful strategies to help you stay on track, no matter what life throws your way.
The 1% Rule: Tiny Changes, Big Results
One of Clear’s core principles is the idea of getting 1% better every day. Instead of aiming for perfection or dramatic changes, focus on small, consistent actions that add up over time. Think of it as compound interest for your fitness and health.
Here’s how you can apply it:
- Fitness: If you’re starting out, commit to working out every other day. Over time, you’ll build the habit and the capacity to do more. Before you know it you will be feeling better and soon your workouts will be something you crave.
- Nutrition: Add one small, healthy change to your day, like an extra serving of vegetables or adding more protein into your diet to help you build muscle and feel better.
These small wins may seem insignificant at first, but they’re the foundation of big results. Over weeks and months, these tiny improvements compound into noticeable progress.
Make It Obvious
Clear also highlights the importance of designing your environment to make good habits easier. When healthy choices are visible and convenient, you’re far more likely to follow through.
For example:
- * Set out your workout clothes the night before so they’re ready when you wake up.
- * Keep a water bottle with you throughout the day as a constant reminder to stay hydrated.
- * Prep healthy snacks at the start of the week and place them in an easy-to-reach spot.
By creating an environment that supports your goals, you’re reducing the friction that can get in the way of consistency. It’s not about relying on willpower—it’s about setting yourself up for success.
Progress Over Perfection
Consistency isn’t about being perfect. Some days will feel harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters most is that you keep showing up. Even on the tough days, even when you don’t feel motivated, every effort—no matter how small—gets you closer to your goals. Surrounding yourself with others working towards similar goals can make a big difference too.
At Reach Athletics, we’re here to help you build those habits and stay consistent. Whether it’s your first step into the gym or your hundredth, we’ll support you every step of the way. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. Work smarter, not harder.
Are you ready to build a new workout habit? Want some workouts to get you started? mail Dana@reachathletics.com with the subject “Let’s GO” and I will send you a 10 workout guide to get you started.
Let’s keep moving forward together, one habit at a time.
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