"Allow yourself to be carried away by the rhythm of what is." ~ Rumi

Have you ever felt like the pressure to be "consistent" is holding you back?

You set goals, create a plan, and attack your to-do list with gusto. But then, a few weeks in, the wheels fall off. Motivation wanes, energy dips, and the once-exciting project feels like a chore. What happened?

The culprit might be our obsession with consistency.

Consistency is often hailed as the golden rule of success. We're told to show up every day, grind it out, and maintain a relentless forward motion. But what if this relentless pursuit of consistency is actually working against us?

The truth is, humans are not machines. We're not built to operate at a steady, unchanging level all the time. We're cyclical beings with natural ebbs and flows of energy, motivation, and focus.

So, what if we stopped fighting against our nature and embraced a more cyclical approach to productivity and success?

In this post, I want to challenge the idea of consistency as the holy grail of achievement.

We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us that consistency is the key to success.

The traditional definition of consistency implies a steady, unchanging level of performance over time. This just doesn't reflect reality.

Think about your own day: do you feel the same way in the morning as you do in the evening? What about throughout your menstrual cycle or over the course of the different seasons? Of course not! Our energy levels, focus, and creativity naturally fluctuate.

Trying to force a steady state of performance ignores these natural fluctuations. It's like cramming ourselves into a straightjacket, constantly battling against our inherent nature. This constant struggle is not only exhausting but ultimately unsustainable.

The Tyranny of the Flat Line

Our obsession with consistency often stems from a "flat line" mentality. Linear growth, always doing a bit better, a bit more every day.

We're bombarded with messages about achieving the "optimal level of performance" – but this disregards the inherent cycles that govern our lives. We're not machines programmed to churn out consistent output. Denying our natural rhythms leads to frustration, burnout, and ultimately, a disconnect from our authentic selves.

So, what's the alternative?

Instead of linear consistency, I propose embracing cyclical living. This means acknowledging and working with our natural rhythms, rather than fighting against them. It's about honouring the times we feel energised and focused, and allowing for periods of rest and renewal.

Cyclical living acknowledges and embraces our natural fluctuations. Think of it as working with your body's natural rhythms, not against them.

Cyclical Consistency

Here's how cyclical living can transform your approach to success:

Flow with your flow: Instead of a rigid schedule, structure your days around your natural energy levels. Schedule demanding tasks for peak energy times and use quieter periods for reflection or creative work.

Embrace the power of "maybe": Not everything needs to be done daily. Cyclical living allows you to prioritise tasks based on your current capacity. Some things might need daily attention, while others can be tackled in dedicated bursts throughout your cycle.

Ditch the guilt: Cyclical living acknowledges that there will be times when you simply don't feel like showing up. Instead of self-flagellation, use these periods for rest and rejuvenation. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

This cyclical approach isn't about abandoning discipline altogether. There's a place for dedicated practice and showing up even when it feels hard. However, cyclical consistency allows us to integrate discipline with compassion and self-awareness.

Think of it as "tender discipline," a term coined by Jocelyn K Glei. We can hold commitment and dedication while also holding gentleness and responsiveness to our own needs.

Read more about tender discipline here

Here's the beauty of cyclical living: it allows for a more sustainable approach to productivity and goal achievement. We can still be reliable and show up for ourselves, but we do it in a way that honours our natural rhythms.

It's not about going with the flow all the time (because let's be honest, some things just require hard work!).

Cyclical living is about ditching the perfectionist mindset that says it has to be 'either/or'.

The key is finding the sweet spot between BOTH discipline AND responsiveness.

So, let's loosen our grip on the idea of consistency.

It might be time to see it for what it can be – another form of internalised oppression.

Instead, let's embrace the power of cycles. Consider your natural energy cycles, the seasons, or even the rhythm of a specific project. How can you work with these cycles to achieve your goals in a more sustainable and fulfilling way?

Let's Reframe Consistency

"Cyclical consistency" then might mean adapting your practices to your current cycles.

Align with your cycles: Consider the various cycles in your life, from your natural energy rhythms to the seasons. How can you adjust your goals and routines to better suit these cycles? For instance, a daily commitment to movement could look like a vigorous workout during your high-energy phase and a gentle yoga session during your low-energy phase.

Embrace tender discipline: Hold yourself accountable for your goals, but do it with compassion and understanding. There will be times when you need to adjust your expectations.

Focus on progress, not perfection: Don't get discouraged by setbacks. Focus on the overall progress you're making, even if it's not always linear.

So, the next time you feel the pressure to maintain a relentless pace, take a deep breath and remember: you're not a machine. How might you work with your cycles a little more attentively, ditch the guilt, and see how much more you can achieve by flowing with your natural rhythm?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on consistency. Do you find the idea of linear consistency to be a burden? How do you incorporate your natural rhythms into your daily life? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

Let's loosen our grip on the idea of consistency and embrace a more sustainable, cyclical approach to achieving our goals!

Ditch the burnout cycle and discover sustainable practices for fostering flow.

Download my free e-books: Getting Started With Cyclical Living and Planning with the Seasons or explore my masterclass on Effortless Productivity.

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My 1:1 cyclical alignment coaching package offers a tailored approach to help you unlock your creative brilliance and embrace your excellence by following your own flow.