5 Ways Consistency Can Backfire (and How to Stay on Track)

Photo by Danny Howe on Unsplash

We all know consistency is key, right? Like, showing up for the gym, writing every day, Reading 50 pages of certain books– it's like we have always been reminded: Being consistent can make you successful. I also think being consistent and disciplined can make you successful. But here's the thing: sometimes, being overly consistent brings more harm than good. Like, It becomes mental torture for you.

Well, there are a few reasons why consistency can turn into your anxiety source and how to face these reasons while being consistent.

1. Fear of failure: When you consistently show up, practice, or create, you naturally become more invested in your progress. As a writer, you witness an increase in your readership and the development of your writing skills. If you are an influencer, you observe the growth of your audience and the increasing regard for your opinions. However, this investment can give rise to a fear of failure, especially if your definition of success is rigid or externally imposed. You might be concerned about letting yourself down, disappointing others, or undoing the progress you’ve achieved. The worry may extend to fearing your readers will leave you or that your audience will cease to pay attention to you.

Then You have to remember these 2 things -

• Progress, not perfection: Every brick you lay, every step you take, is a win. Don’t let one shaky block ruin the whole mood.
• Redefine success: Make it your own, something you enjoy, not something that gives you hives.

2. Pressure to maintain momentum: Keeping up with a consistent routine can feel like a constant uphill battle. The pressure to perform and maintain your progress can become overwhelming, leading to anxiety and burnout. This is especially true if you are struggling with internal or external expectations that feel unrealistic. It’s not just the physical effort, though. It’s the mental weight of expectations, both internal and external. The voice in your head that whispers, "Don’t break the streak! You’ve come so far!" Every missed day, every dip in your output feels like a personal failure, a step backward on this endless climb.
So, how do we break free from the hamster wheel?

• Listen to your body and mind: Don’t push through exhaustion or ignore warning signs. Take a step back, adjust your pace, or even change your route if needed. Question yourself, Is it really worth or is there any alternative method more suitable for me?
• Redefine "progress": Don’t let external metrics or someone else’s definition dictate your journey. Progress can be small wins, gradual improvements, or even taking a break when you need it.

3. Overlooking progress: Focusing solely on the "big picture" or future goals can make it difficult to acknowledge and appreciate your smaller, regular achievements. What happens when we get lost in the "big picture" of consistency? We obsess over the distant mountaintop of our goals, ignoring the smaller, daily wins that pave the path. This can lead to a sense of never being good enough and a constant state of anxious striving.
Then there are the three things you must do -

• Track your progress: Keep a journal, a progress chart, or even a simple list. Seeing your journey visually reinforces your efforts and reminds you of how far you’ve come.
• Compare yourself to yourself: Forget about everyone else’s sandcastles. Focus on your own growth, your own progress. Are you getting better, stronger, more creative? That’s the only comparison that matters.
• Practice gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate your achievements, big and small. Be thankful for the skills you’ve learned, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the progress you’ve made.

4. Lack of flexibility: Consistency can sometimes feel like a cage, restricting you from spontaneity and new experiences. The fear of falling behind or disrupting your routine can prevent you from adapting to changing circumstances or trying new things. This can lead to feelings of being trapped and anxious about missing out on life’s possibilities. But here’s the thing: life isn’t a linear track. Clinging too tightly to consistency can make you miss out on these enriching experiences, leaving you feeling trapped and anxious about the "what ifs.". Consistency doesn’t have to be a cage. It can be a flexible net, strong enough to hold us steady, but open enough to let us soar.

• Schedule flexibility: Build in buffer days or "free slots" in your routine. These are days when you can break free, try something new, or simply go with the flow without guilt.
• Remember, life is a journey, not a destination: Enjoy the twists and turns, the detours and discoveries. Consistency is about the overall direction, not the rigid path.

5. Underlying issues: In some cases, anxiety associated with consistency might be connected to deeper issues like perfectionism, imposter syndrome, or fear of commitment. Recognizing these underlying issues is crucial for addressing the root cause of your anxiety and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
Perfectionism: This relentless pursuit of flawlessness can lead to anxiety around consistency. Because every day feels like a chance to mess up your carefully constructed masterpiece.
Imposter Syndrome: Consistency feels like a tightrope walk, constantly worried your lack of skill or talent will be revealed. Every missed step, every setback, fuels the anxiety, making you question your very right to be on the mountain at all.
Fear of Commitment: Consistency becomes a scary commitment to one path, one routine, one version of yourself. The fear of missing out on what could be, of being trapped in the wrong choice, can lead to anxiety around sticking to anything for too long, even if it’s beneficial.

So, how do we deal with this hidden anxiety?

• Shine a light on them: Awareness is key! Recognizing these underlying issues is the first step to taming them. Talk to a therapist, journal about your fears, and identify the patterns in your thoughts and behaviors.
• Challenge their lies: Don’t let the doubts control the narrative. Question, Is every misstep really a failure? Are you really an imposter? Is everything truly black and white? Challenge their logic with kindness and self-compassion.
• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Everyone stumbles, everyone makes choices, and everyone has anxieties. Treat yourself with the same understanding you’d offer a friend.