The key to success is consistency

I have never read and practiced a better phrase than “The key to success is consistency”. I read a book called 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma beginning 2021 and started getting up at 04:50 am every morning. It was torture at first, getting up while its dark and your duvet feels like its finally giving you all the love you needed since you got in bed at 10pm the previous night. 

Let me tell you what went through my mind and if you read the book, tell me your thoughts.

I started reading the book and the essence of the book, much like the title, tells you to own your mornings and elevate your life. In order to do so, you need to get up at 5 Am every morning. In my mind I am negotiating with myself on the time printed in bold letters on the cover. I start working at 8am, so 6am should be fine to do my hour of exercise, journaling, meditation and reading. It is fine to lay a little later than 5am surely, at least I am still getting up earlier than most. 5 Am is probably not applicable to weekends.

I recently saw this motivational video saying: In order to have what others don't have tomorrow, you need to do what others won't do today. In my mind, I am thinking loads of people had that same thought about changing the 5am rule to 5:30 or 6am rule, and I need to remind myself that I need to follow the process set out in this book. This is the ritual that industry leaders follow and I am not above the elite to alter the rules and recommendations on this winning formula. 

I must add that owning your mornings, really does elevate your life. Once I start my day in the office at 8am, I’ve had enough time to do the things to prepare me for the day ahead and ensure I have laid the foundation to succeed. I am motivated, positive and ready for my day to start every morning since I started implementing the 5am formula . Take this from someone that loves watching TV every night, hated exercise, loved my sleep and eating whatever I wanted to. Oh and reading was the last thing on my mind. If someone recommended a book, my question would be: “Is there a movie based on the book perhaps?”. 

I read every morning now. I read before bedtime and I sleep better without checking my Instagram or watching tv. In my mind, I keep asking myself, why didn’t I do this sooner? Easy answer: I was lazy! I procrastinated and found excuses for not doing so. We play the victim for not having enough time and that life does not want to give us a break but in principle, we need to create the opportunity ourselves. It’s the same as me saying “This is going to be my year” without actually having a plan to make it so. It's wishful thinking and we will continue to fail and play the victim if we don’t decide today to do something about this one life we have been gifted. 

If you can speak, write and read in this world, you are unstoppable. Reading is feeding your brain and improving your life. You gain knowledge and by doing so automatically improve your vocabulary. When you open your mouth to engage in conversation, you feel more confident than smiling and agreeing because you don’t know any better. Reading is also brilliant for your self confidence and will open a world of possibilities. We need to encourage our children to read more and to make it a daily habit to ensure their success in the future. 

I can tell you this, consistency is key. Creating your daily routine and consistently following a process to ensure you are installing a positive habit. From eating clean, reading and exercising daily, to reserve an hour a day to learn a new skill, will for sure change your life. I am not saying be a robot and don’t watch tv or don't have a wild night out that you can’t get up the next morning. I am saying, be mindful and aware of what you are doing and repeating on a daily basis.

We take for granted that Google is there for gaining knowledge. Yes some of us Google our symptoms when sick and self diagnose our near death experiences monthly. Doctors hate it when we do it, but we love having a source to consult with immediate results. When I read and I am unsure about a word, I write it down, I Google. Now I know the meaning and I have learnt something new. When I go hiking for the first time and the track is called “pipe track”, I google what the pipes are used for and by doing so, I educate myself and I can share that knowledge with those around me. 

Whatever it is that you are trying to achieve, my advice would be to stay consistent. We have so many opportunities to become the best version of ourselves and I believe it’s time more of us grab it with both hands. When you feel grateful for what you have, your life becomes more positive. I leave you with these words, a negative mind will never get you a positive life. Pay attention to what you put out in the world. Once again, these are only my thoughts and opinions based on my own experiences. Wisdom is not free, you have to pay attention.