Article: It's hard to be consistent if you don't have a strong idea of what you need to do. When starting your new path, create easy, simple goals with specific, measurable results. Start by defining what consistency means to you. Do you need to be consistent about your exercise habits? Are you aiming for a higher quality of work? Do you want to be more available and reliable in your relationships? Once you've identified your end goal, come up with smaller steps to reach it. For example, if you want to become more physically fit, you might set the goal to exercise for 5 days out of the week or to sign up for a class. Be specific. Instead of saying "I'm going to consistently appreciate my significant other," you might say "I'm going to thank my significant other when they wash the dishes, make dinner, or help out around the house." It can be easy to pile on tasks and promises, but a calendar, planner, or schedule will keep you on track. A schedule will help you plan your day so that you get everything done on time. It will also help you understand what commitments you do and do not have time for. Use a paper planner or a desk calendar. Alternatively, download a scheduling app on your phone, like Google Calendar or Outlook. Block off realistic amounts of time for each task. If you're uncertain how long a task will take, give yourself extra time to complete it. For larger goals, like writing a book or losing weight, set small, daily tasks that you can do to work towards this goal. For example, you might set a daily word count to achieve or plan specific meals to eat each day. Don't forget to plan in breaks as well! Don't schedule anything else for that day or time. Sometimes, it is easy to forget our new goals, habits, commitments, or promises, especially when we make them to ourselves. To remind yourself throughout the day, put messages to yourself in visible areas. Write down your goals on post-it notes and place them on your mirror, computer, refrigerator, car dashboard, and planner. Slip a piece of paper with your goals into your wallet, desk drawer, or purse. If you are trying implement a daily practice, put a reminder on your phone. Set an alarm or use a reminder app to alert you when you need to do it. Consistency often involves making commitments and keeping them. It is easy to get overwhelmed, however, if you make too many promises. If you think a request may be difficult to do, say no. For example, if you tell your significant other that you're going to handle half of the chores, make sure that you have time after work to actually do them. In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a promise that you will be able to keep. For example, if someone asks you to help them move, you can say, "Well, I can't make it before 3 PM, but I could swing by after. Does that work?" This includes making promises to yourself. If you know it is unrealistic for you to write 10 pages a day for your new novel, promise yourself that you'll just write at least a little bit each day. If you do complete your goals, give yourself a reward. Even small goals deserve small rewards to help keep you motivated throughout the process. For example, if you've managed to complete your work by 5 pm every day for a week, take an evening off. Go see a movie or treat yourself to a special dinner. If you're training for a marathon and you've managed to hit your daily exercise goals, sign up for a 5k to give you a sense of your success. If you've managed to improve your relationships by being more consistent, your friendships may be the reward. If you're proud of yourself, take your friends out or host a dinner.

What is a summary?
Create specific and realistic goals. Create a schedule for yourself. Place reminders around your home, workspace, and belongings. Make promises only if you can keep them. Reward yourself when you get something done.