Creating Consistency

I recently posted this picture on my Instagram. At first glance, it looks like a typical runners photo, but to me it means so much more. Can you see my pinky toes peaking through the sides? That is a direct result of something I've been striving for : consistency.

I've always struggled with creating consistency in my life. Without structure I fall apart. Being consistent was easier with set practices and commitments in high school/college when I had to answer to someone else. Now, 3.5 years out of college, things are a lot different. I answer to myself. (But in reality, I have answered to myself all along)

Why is it easier to get something done when you answer to someone else? Because you'll get in trouble if you don't complete it? Your coach will be disappointed in you? Fear of embarrassing yourself in front of classmates or colleagues?

What I've learned these past 3.5 years is that answering to yourself is difficult but necessary to live a balanced and happy life. There is a disappointment that builds into resentment towards yourself when you fail to take action. It's an icky feeling that keeps you awake at night. It wrecks the relationship you have with yourself and your body. Not answering to yourself strips you of your ambitions & dreams. I think you get the point: it's not good, people!

You can see that I have not blogged since January 2018. That post itself was an attempt to resurrect the blog after not writing for 4 months. That kills me.

It took me a long time to get Unabashed published. The name, the vibe, the purpose, everything. I put a lot of thought into it and didn't follow through on my twice a month posting goal. Do you know why? Because I was trying to become consistent it all areas of my life at once. Doing it all at once is a recipe for disaster.

Over the past few months, I've been focusing on other areas of my life that have needed desperate attention. I told myself that I would return to Unabashed on some set conditions:

1. I feel passionate about writing and creating again

2. I am prepared weeks ahead of time

-I have 10 blogs in the queue. Woohoo!

3. I am willing to put myself out there and not hold back

-That was the reason for Unabashed in the first place.

So here we are. The 3 items above are all checked and this is happening. I am terrified and that's okay. This is the first step at creating consistency in this area of my life and I don't expect it to be easy. What I do expect is to try my very best and have fun doing so. I have many goals & dreams for this blog. Some of those dreams are almost a decade old!

I am not going to announce the frequency of my posts until I find a pace I feel confident in. What I can say is that the next post is next Wednesday, November 14th. Talk to you then!

GIVE AWAY

To celebrate the relaunch I am gifting a $15 Starbucks gift card to one of you! Winner will be announced on the Nov 14th post. Entering is simple:

• In the comments below, tell me where you would like to be more consistent in your life.

• It could be anything! Practicing an instrument, sticking to a budget or workout routine.

xoxo,

Unabashed Anna