2023 Word of the Year: Relentlessly Consistent

My 2023 phrase, relentlessly consistent, was born from a recognition that the year would be challenging and would require discipline. We had just adopted a puppy who needed to be trained in all areas, I had body recomposition goals, and I was about to start Invisalign. All of these things required small daily actions and persistence.

Now, at the end of the year, the visible metrics all point towards success. Our puppy is now a beautiful, well-behaved dog who is happy and healthy. I am physically stronger and lifting heavier than ever, with a body fat percentage well under 20%. And yes, my teeth are straight. But underneath the surface, I was struggling for most of 2023. I was constantly in survival mode, swinging between feelings of resentment due to lack of support from my family, and feelings of self-flagellation for being so easily overwhelmed by the basic tasks of puppy/childcare and household maintenance.

It reminds me of this quote that I heard on a running podcast:

Trying and struggling looks a lot like incompetence right up until the moment that it looks like success.

Run to the Top Podcast

I would say that I am generally goal-oriented and enjoy marking progress and living in an atmosphere of growth. In that sense, I did take on a challenging, all-consuming project in 2023 by adopting a high-energy 8-week-old puppy. Ollie has definitely pushed my limits, forcing me to be more patient and to ask for help, two of my biggest weaknesses. We have gotten better acquainted with our neighbors due to Ollie’s 3 walks a day coupled with his eager friendliness. We have also spent more time outdoors this year than ever before, rain or shine. There is a lot of good that has come from adopting Ollie, and I’m sure there will be more.

Lessons learned regarding “Relentless Consistency”

• Consistency is not perfection. Consistency does not mean no setbacks or 100% adherence. Consistency means building in flexibility and self-compassion. It means showing up with what you’ve got today.
• Life is relentless, and demands on your time and energy will always be there. Relentless consistency requires building in routines for sustainability. Consistency means setting up habits and systems to override decision fatigue and exhaustion. It means setting up your environment so that the “right” option is the default option.
• Consistency means: if you can’t do it, then ask for help. Find a way.

Onward, to 2024!