September is approaching, and for many people it’s a kind of New Year’s Eve, as they return from the summer vacation with a renewed desire to achieve their goals.

And there are those who, between naps, reading, walking, and swimming, are currently making a list of changes for September. They’re counting on returning from vacation being the ideal time to begin a range of changes that will finally bring the desired happiness, calm or peace, the dreamed-of success, money, etc. And our minds love this; they’re inspired by the idea of ​​novelty and change, but know that when the honeymoon phase passes and the boring routine sets in, the lists of what we so desired and were beginning to implement are once again forgotten, and put away with the beach towels and summer clothes.

My apologies to the dreamers and those who expect miracles and quick fixes, but changes don’t happen when we’re inspired, nor do they arise in moments of motivation. The changes we wish, the deepest ones,  don’t happen by waiting for the right emotion. Change comes through the consistency of doing something, day in and day out, over a long period of time, repeating the action even when we don’t feel like it, or aren’t inspired.

Change requires consistency through repetition and practice, but also through self-knowledge, honesty, clarity, firmness, perseverance, and stability. Consistency is one of discipline’s best friends. Consistency tells us to continue the discipline of doing, without giving up or stopping, and creating progress.

If you’re already mentally making a list of changes for September, write them down on paper and clearly and realistically define your real goals. Don’t try to do everything at once, because you can easily become frustrated and then give up. So, break these goals down into small, daily steps that are achievable consistently. Track your progress. And celebrate each moment, even when it seems like you’re stagnating or in regressive mode. Let go of perfectionism,  judgment and criticism, and fill yourself with courage to accept difficulties, and keep going with consistency.

If you want to learn more about consistency as a real instrument for your self-knowledge and growth, write to us at info@ashtangacascais.com and come learn to meditate and have a Yoga practice that teaches you, like no one else, to take consistent actions.

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