I’ve always prided myself as a person of consistency, a trait that has led me to a lot of success on the platform. Competition has allowed me to express my strong mental connection to a plan based on strict adherence and execution.

In my experience, consistency’s impact has been two-fold; it’s not only a recurring theme in my training, but it has, fortunately, translated into a relatively consistent competitive output. For instance: 

My Master’s World Deadlift ranking by year:

2006: #4

2007: #2

2008: #2

2009: #1

2010: #1

2011: #2

2013: #1

2015: #4

2016: #2

2018: #5

2022: #2

That said, success comes in many forms, whether it be the achievement of an objective numerical goal, a feeling of well-being, the ability to check a box, or something else. Success validation tends to come from praise from others or an inner voice that says, “Job well done.” Strangely, the deadlift for me has hit all these marks and more. The lift also allows me to physically express my passion for consistency.

Regardless of the goal or measurement of success, the intended feat won’t be achieved without a foundation of consistency. But how does one build consistency when it’s often a moving target? I’m going to provide my road map to building the framework through which you can achieve your goals. Here are my five strategies for staying consistent on the course:

  1. Write down your goals – I think it was the great Olympian Rafer Johnson who said, “If you don’t write your goals down, all you have is a dream.” Your goals should be lofty but not unachievable. Once written down, make sure the goals are easily viewed or accessible to you on your phone, laptop, refrigerator door, or any place that can remind you of what needs to happen.
  2. Have a detailed plan – After you write your goals down, create a plan to achieve them. Once you put pen to paper, don’t file the paper away in a drawer or file cabinet. I love using Microsoft Excel for this one. 
  3. Make sure it’s important to you – The path won’t be easy, so it must be important to you. You can’t fake dedication; it’s a goal, not a grudge.
  4. Celebrate your dedication with a competition or event – Put it on the calendar and work towards it. Having that end date will change an “I’ll start tomorrow” mindset to an “I’ll start today” one.
  5. Tell others what you’re trying to accomplish – Social motivation has a strong influence on what we do in our daily lives. In numbers comes power – power to succeed.