What Happens When You're Consistent?

There may be a good reason you're not making forward progress in key areas of your life.  Imagine you are filling up a leaky bucket.  The water supply turns on and off randomly and you have no control over it.  This is how your life looks when you fail to set up a consistent daily routine.  Without a steady supply, everything eventually leaks out and you have nothing but an empty bucket.  If you're serious about adding consistency to your life, it helps to identify the leaks.

My wife and I set up a coffee can labeled "vacation fund."  We decided to put our loose change in the can.  On days when my wallet was thin, I held on to my change rather than drop it in the slot.  And when I was really short, I raided the can.  Our youngest son noticed the quarters he was contributing were disappearing.  Ouch!  Busted!

Here's what happens when you pay attention to the leaks and decide to be consistent with retirement planning, debt management, physical fitness, or any area your life that needs some help:

1. Your attitude improves.  There is something special about seeing your bucket of change for your vacation fund get bigger.  You picture yourself treating your family to an awesome vacation that is paid for from your bucket.
2. You gain confidence.  Once you see the results from repairing your leaky bucket and filling it daily, you realize you can apply this idea to other areas of your life where consistency is lacking.
3. You are fun to be around.  Consistency is contagious.  It attracts other people into your life who are inspired by your positivity.  The big conversation around our dinner table is about family vacations.  This topic is popular and the whole family is getting excited, even though our vacation is a year away.

If you decide to add consistency to your life, please share how you are going to fill your bucket.  Thanks for adding to the conversation.  Remember to keep your hand out of the cookie jar... or the coffee can!