WHEN CONSISTENCY BECOMES A PROBLEM... 

When we talk of consistency, usually it's in the context of how to achieve it.

How do we build up daily habits? How can we get into a state where we can apply ourselves to our goals, ambitions and reams every day?

In our modern culture of 'hustle', 'hard work' and 'no days off', It's assumed that more is better. More work. More miles, More reps. More tracks. More gigs. MORE

As I have just found out, more is not always better...

A Cautionary Tale...

I've always been into exercise, working out and staying healthy. When the pandemic hit last year, it meant my beloved Yoga Studio and Gym closed, which meant I, like everyone else, had to adapt to working out at home.

I bought an Apple Watch to help me do something consistently every day without fail, no matter how small, and to stay accountable.

This is where, dear reader, the consistency became an obsession.

I got so into the process of working out every day, it became the centre of my existence. It was all I could think about.

Run faster for longer. Cycle more miles. Throw heavier kettlebells around my lounge! More hot yoga! Burn more calories! MORE!

Most importantly I was adding to my streak of burning at least 750 calories per day through exercise and movement...10 days became a whole month, and before I knew it, I had 100 days in sight...on day 98 without meaningful, constructive rest, my body finally broke down...then came the dizzy spells, the nausea, and yes, the abnormal blood test results...I'm now on an extended rest period due to, yes, you guessed it, overtraining.

Consistency without Balance is Nothing

To be completely honest with you, I was using exercise as a way of managing the extreme boredom and limitations of the lockdowns we've been through here in the UK, which almost seem perpetual.

My positivity, ambition, energy, passion and determination to come out of the other side of this better, slid into compulsion and obsession...I mean, I went for a 5 mile run on Christmas day FFS!

There might also be a little bit of 'I'm not good enough' in there as well, but we'll deal with that in later emails ;)

Ultimately I have learnt, the hard way, that consistency also requires balance. Without proper rest, change or contrast in our lives, we cannot fulfil our potential, and indeed, we get in our own way, which to be honest, is all we ever do...if we are really being honest with ourselves...we're only ever fighting against ourselves

This week, I urge you to find balance - be consistent, but when the time is right, and the work is done, rest, relax, recharge...and of course let me know how you're getting on by replying to this, as I always love to hear from you all

To your increasing Creative Flow -

Big Love,

Paul <3