If you’re someone who struggles with being consistent or sticking to a routine, you’re not alone — and you’re not broken. In fact, one helpful mindset shift is this : lower your acceptable standards.

This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s powerful.

Drop the Judgment

If you’ve ever wondered how to be more consistent with your routine, the answer might not be more motivation — it might be lowering the bar.

The biggest obstacle to consistency isn’t always time or motivation — it’s the harsh, judgmental voice in your head. You know the one:

• “You’ve failed again.”
• “What’s the point?”
• “You should be better by now.”

This kind of self-talk doesn’t help. It just makes you want to avoid trying again.

Instead, try noticing what actually happened — without judgment.
Not: “I skipped my workout again. I’m lazy.”
But: “I didn’t work out yesterday. I was tired and had other things on.”

That’s it. Just facts. No guilt.

If you’re struggling with finding the energy or time, check out my post on finding time and energy to exercise for practical tips.

Consistency Is Built in the Lows

Everyone feels motivated sometimes. Especially when you’re sat on the sofa watching TV. But interestingly, not so much when it’s pouring with rain and you have to go for a run.

The key to consistency isn’t what you do on the good days — it’s how you respond on the rough ones.

If your standards are too high, you’ll keep quitting when life throws you off. But if your baseline is simple — say, a short walk, or a few squats in your kitchen — then you stay in motion, even when motivation disappears.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about lowering the barrier just enough so it’s okay to do what you feel like this time. If that means two minutes of training just to keep your hand in — then good enough is good enough. You’ll be back soon enough. You always are.

“Do as little as necessary, not as much as possible.”

— Henk Kraaijenhof

Remember, learning how to be more consistent with your routine isn’t about pushing harder — it’s about staying in motion, even when you’re not at your best.

Momentum is always at work — either for you or against you. So just do something. Anything. Hoover like your hair’s on fire. I have a little phrase I like to remind myself: “You’re not making it worse.” So keep going.

Studies show that lowering barriers to exercise can improve habit formation. And the good old NHS guidelines on physical activity says consistency is key to long-term health benefits.