Fourth Struggle: Staying Consistent

Author: Kevin Tamte CPT, PN, TFW Level 1&2

Let’s be honest, consistency is one of the hardest things to master when it comes to training, nutrition, and making positive changes in your life. I touched on this in an earlier post, but it’s such a powerful topic that it deserves a deeper dive. Because the truth is, consistency is where transformation really happens.

You can have the best intentions, the most detailed plan, or the flashiest new program but if you don’t stick with it, none of it matters.

Start with a Goal, Build with a Plan

The first step to staying consistent is setting a clear goal. Not just any goal I'm talking about a SMART goal:

• Specific

• Measurable

• Attainable

• Realistic

• Timely

I’ll be honest I didn’t fully get this at first. When I started with Training For Warriors, we’d set SMART goals each year. Early on, I kept mine in my head. I didn’t write them down. I didn’t tell anyone. Why? Because deep down, I felt embarrassed. I thought they weren’t “good enough,” or that they were too much.

But once I started sharing them with a few close friends and family members, things changed. It felt like a weight lifted. I wasn’t carrying those goals alone anymore. I had a support system of people in my corner who believed in me and kept me accountable when I wanted to fall off.

Choose Your Circle Wisely

Not everyone around you will understand your goals. That’s okay. Some people might not get it. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with people who do. People who will lift you up not pull you down. Whether it’s training, nutrition, or those mental battles we fight every day, the right people make all the difference.

You want people who cheer for your wins, remind you of your “why,” and hold you accountable when motivation fades. Choose those people intentionally.

Life Will Happen But Don’t Let It Derail You

Let’s face it life is going to throw curveballs. Schedules get busy. Kids get sick. Work gets demanding. But here’s the truth: if you let life be your excuse every time, you’ll never build consistency.

I started by treating my workouts like appointments. I scheduled them in my calendar just like a meeting. I got so consistent that my friends and family knew not to ask me to do anything during that time they knew where I’d be.

Do things still come up? Of course. But the key is not letting a missed workout become a missed week. Reset. Restart. Show up for the next workout, even if it’s just 15 or 30 minutes. That’s how you keep momentum.

Also, delete the word “busy” from your vocabulary when it comes to your health. If you really break down your day, there is time. You just have to be willing to carve it out for yourself.

Show Up Especially on the Hard Days

And here’s something important: the days you don’t want to train are often the days you must. Those are the days where you build grit. The days you come out stronger not just physically, but mentally too. You may not feel like it at first, but you’ll feel accomplished once it’s done. That’s how habits are built. That’s how transformation sticks.

Recap: Stay the Course

Let’s wrap it up with some real talk: No, it’s not easy. No, you won’t see instant results.

But if you stay consistent, you will see change. And it will be worth every effort, every early morning, every rep you didn’t want to do but did anyway.

So here’s your blueprint: Set a SMART goal, Write it down, Share it with someone you trust, Schedule your workouts, Show up especially when it’s hard, Give yourself grace, but keep going.

You’re doing something most people won’t even try. That’s powerful. Be proud of that. Because you’re not just chasing a goal you’re building a new version of yourself.

And that version is worth fighting for.

Are you interested in getting some personal advice or coaching? Contact Kevin at  651-815-9747 or email me at kevintamte@gmail.com