Consistency Over Excuses: Why Showing Up Matters

Three months.

That’s how long I hadn’t set foot in the gym. My excuses? Too cold. Too busy. Too tired. Sound familiar?

A month ago, I finally went back. The first ten minutes were brutal; my legs felt heavy, my mind kept whispering, “just go home,” and honestly, I almost did. But then it hit me: it’s not about smashing the perfect workout, It’s about keeping a promise to myself.

So I stayed.

I lifted light.

And yes… I left earlier than usual😳.

And you know what? I walked out feeling down, wondering why I stayed away so long in the first place.

When Starting Over Feels Harder Than Starting

I have to be honest, I wish I could tell you that after that day, I stayed consistent.

But I didn’t.

Life got busy.

I told myself, “Next week will be better.”

And before I knew it, weeks turned into another month.

When I finally went back again a few days ago, it felt like starting from scratch. I couldn’t lift what I used to lift. I couldn’t even do half the moves without feeling like my body had forgotten everything. And full disclosure? I’m still dealing with the struggle right now.

It’s frustrating. But it’s also a reminder that consistency is easier than starting over. And yet, sometimes starting over is the bravest thing we can do.

Maybe for you it’s not the gym; maybe it’s going back to study, rebuilding after a setback, or showing up for yourself after everyone else’s needs have been met. Whatever your “gym” looks like, you are not alone. We all fall off. What matters is that we get back on, even when it feels uncomfortable, slow, or messy.

Research shows that small steps really do add up. BJ Fogg, in Tiny Habits, found that even the tiniest actions, like two push-ups or a five-minute walk, can lead to lasting change when done consistently. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up.

Equally important is self-compassion. Kristin Neff’s research shows that treating yourself with kindness after a setback, rather than responding with guilt or criticism, makes it easier to stay motivated and stick with your goals over time.

Reflect:

Where in your life have you “fallen off” a habit, a goal, a promise to yourself?

How does it feel to think about starting again?

Decide:

Decide that your effort still matters, even if it’s imperfect.

Decide that this is not the end, just another beginning.

Act:

Here’s what I’m doing this time (and you can too):

1. Start smaller than last time, even if it feels silly.

2. Schedule it. Treat it like a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.

3. Let go of guilt. Guilt keeps you stuck; grace keeps you moving.

4. Celebrate the attempt. Showing up after a break is an act of courage.

5. Find accountability; a friend, a group, or even sharing your journey publicly.

We don’t need to be perfect , we just need to keep trying.

Every restart is proof that you haven’t given up on yourself.

So, what’s one thing you can restart today, even if it feels hard? Put that in the comments.

Your shift starts here, not “next week.” 💪

Lead the Shift is for women like us; juggling motherhood, study, work, or stepping into a new season of life. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up.

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