The Consistency Code: Avoid Year-End Panic with These 5 Powerful Keys

As we approach the end of the year, it’s not uncommon to feel that familiar sense of urgency kicking in—what I like to call 4th quarter panic. It’s the rush to accomplish those big goals you set back in January before the year slips away. But here's a secret I’ve learned over the years: the key to avoiding that panic isn’t about doing more—it’s about being consistent all year long.

Consistency is the magic ingredient that helps you show up, get results, and, most importantly, maintain your sanity. Whether it’s in your business, health, or personal life, mastering consistency is your ticket to a stress-free fourth quarter. And the best part? Consistency is something you can create on your own terms.

Here are the five keys that have helped me stay consistent for over 20 years in different areas of my life—from podcasting to meditation to even making salads (yes, salads!). These are the tools that can help you stop scrambling and start thriving, no matter what the calendar says.

1. Pre-decide the Timeframe

The first key to consistency is to predecide your timeframe. This means setting clear expectations about how long you’re going to commit to something. Whether it’s one week, one month, or one year, deciding in advance helps you stick to your goal. But here’s the kicker: there’s no right or wrong timeframe. What works for someone else might not work for you—and that’s okay!

For example, when I first started my podcast, I didn’t commit to creating 300 episodes right away. Instead, I decided on a timeframe—one year. By the end of that year, I had produced 113 episodes, and I made the conscious decision to re-commit to another year, and then another. Now, we’re over 300 episodes in, with weekly consistency!

By predeciding, you give yourself the room to figure out how to stay consistent. And when that timeframe is up, you can re-decide if it’s still serving you. The important part is that you’ve made the initial decision to start.

2. Create Ease

Let’s face it—if something feels too hard, you’re less likely to stay consistent with it. That’s why one of the most critical keys is to create ease in the process. Where things feel difficult or overwhelming, find ways to make them simpler, and if needed, get help.

When I think about my daily meditation practice, it hasn’t always been easy to fit it into my day. But over time, I found ways to create ease—whether that’s setting a specific time, using an app, or joining a meditation group. I even made sure my meditation space was comfortable and inviting, making the process feel enjoyable instead of like a chore.

Another tip? Find ways to make it fun. Whatever you’re committing to, add elements of enjoyment that keep you coming back. For instance, when I started eating daily salads 20 years ago, I experimented with fun ingredients, new dressings, and a variety of flavors. It made the experience not only easier but something I looked forward to.

3. Don’t Hide

Consistency doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and it’s much easier when you share your goals with others. Don’t hide your intentions—tell people about what you’re doing, invite them to join you, and share your progress along the way.

One of the reasons my podcast has remained consistent is that I involve others in the process. Whether it’s interviewing guests, working with my team, or sharing my goals with my listeners, I’m not doing it alone. I’ve built a support system that holds me accountable.

The same applies to personal habits. When I committed to drinking more water daily, I didn’t just keep it to myself—I shared it with friends and family. Suddenly, I had people asking, “How’s your water intake going?” That accountability has been key to keeping me on track.

So, don’t be afraid to invite others into your journey. It makes the process more enjoyable and helps you stay consistent over time.

4. Make It Part of You

The fourth key to consistency is all about identity. If you want to stay consistent with something, you need to make it part of who you are. It’s not just about checking off tasks—it’s about becoming the type of person who does that task consistently.

For example, I don’t just host a podcast—I am a podcaster. It’s part of my identity. By embracing that identity, consistency becomes second nature because it aligns with who I believe myself to be. The same goes for my health habits. I don’t just drink water or meditate—I’m someone who takes care of their body and mind daily.

So, whatever habit or goal you’re working on, start identifying as the person who does that thing. Whether it’s exercising, building your business, or even balancing the books—make it part of your identity, and consistency will follow.

5. Make the Promise and Keep It

The final key is perhaps the most important: make the promise and keep it—both to yourself and to others. Consistency isn’t just about external results; it’s about building trust with yourself. When you follow through on the promises you make, you build confidence and integrity.

I’ve kept a monthly commitment to my business’s financial health by doing regular bookkeeping and reviewing my profit and loss statements. This has been one of those promises that not only keeps me consistent but provides clear insights into how my business is performing.

Equally important is keeping your promise to others. When you’ve told someone you’ll show up, show up. Whether it’s for your team, your clients, or your family, keeping your promises reinforces your reliability and strengthens your relationships.

FIND JOY!

Here’s the thing—if you don’t enjoy the consistent action itself, find joy in the results. For example, if you’re not thrilled by the daily grind of hitting your workout goals, celebrate the energy and strength you feel afterward. When it comes to meditation, I might not always look forward to sitting still for 20 minutes, but I absolutely love the calm and focus I feel after.

Consistency isn’t just about discipline—it’s about celebrating the byproduct. If you can find joy in the results, you’ll stay motivated to keep going.

Conclusion: Consistency Without Panic

If you’re looking to avoid the fourth-quarter scramble, these five keys will help you maintain consistency all year long. Pre-decide your timeframe, create ease, share your journey with others, embrace the identity of what you’re doing, and keep your promises. And above all, find the joy in the process.

Consistency isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up and giving your best effort day after day. By embracing these five keys, you’ll not only hit your goals without panic, but you’ll enjoy the journey along the way.

For more on this topic - tune in to the Empowered Team Podcast for Episode 310 "5 Keys to Consistency" and Episode 237 "Consistency is King"


**Reference: Research shows connection between consistency, productivity -https://news.unl.edu/article/research-shows-connection-between-consistency-productivity