The Secret to Progress: Why Consistency Matters in Personal Practice

Changa Bell

Planted seeds yield growth

We live in a world that celebrates quick wins and instant results, but meaningful growth doesn’t work like that. It asks us to commit to the process—to engage in the same actions, thoughts, and movements again and again until the practice begins to shape us. When we choose to keep showing up, day after day, we create momentum. It’s not about getting it perfect. It’s about building a life that reflects our deepest intentions.

As Patanjali shares in Sutra I.12, “Practice and dispassion stop the mind from modulating known as modifications of the mind.” But mastery isn’t perfection. It’s the act of showing up every day, even when the steps feel small, the progress slow, and the finish line out of sight. In the quiet rhythm of daily life, progress doesn’t come from a grand achievement or a one-time effort—it comes from consistency. 

Progress Happens in Small Moments

The magic of consistency is that small, steady steps become transformational over time. Some days, the progress will feel invisible. Henry David Thoreau once stated that

“…if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” When you show up for your practice—your meditation, journaling, or breathwork—and it may seem like nothing has changed. You have to trust that something is shifting beneath the surface.

Imagine each action as a seed being planted. At first, there’s no sign of life — but with every practice, you water that seed. Each positive thought brings the warmth of the sun. And eventually, growth happens. Not all at once, but slowly, quietly, and consistently progress is made. 

We aren’t always going to feel like showing up. But we have to show up anyway—that’s the difference between those who grow and those who stay the same. Even five minutes of practice each day, when done consistently, shifts the way you experience yourself and the world around you. Momentum builds in those small, intentional actions.

Three Ways to Cultivate Consistency

Consistency isn’t easy. ‘Life be life-ing’ and will challenge your practice with distractions, responsibilities, and doubt. But the way we respond to those challenges is what shapes us. Here are three ways I’ve found helpful in staying on track:

1. Start with one small, intentional step.

   • Don’t overwhelm yourself with the idea of doing everything at once. Start with a practice that feels manageable—even five minutes of mindful breathing or one yoga pose a day is enough to begin building momentum.

2. Remove unnecessary obstacles.

   • Make it easy to show up. Keep your yoga mat visible, set your journal by your bed, or place a reminder on your phone. Simplify your path to practice so there’s no resistance between intention and action.

3. Celebrate the act of showing up.

   • Progress isn’t measured by perfection. It’s measured by consistency. Each time you show up, you win. Tell a friend, talk out loud, and congratulate yourself for being there for yourself, even when the steps feel small.

Consistency Builds Self-Trust

Consistency is more than just a tool for growth—it’s a way of building trust with yourself. Every time you honor your commitment to show up, you send a message to yourself that you are worthy of your own time and effort. That kind of trust is powerful. It anchors us when life feels chaotic and reminds us that our practice is always there for us.

Self-trust also teaches us resilience. There will be days when you miss a practice, but missing a day isn’t failure—it’s just part of the journey. The real question is: How quickly will you return? Growth isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up.

Today’s Reflection: What Can You Commit to This Week?

Ask yourself: What small, meaningful action can I commit to this week? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. In fact, the smaller and more consistent, the better. Choose something that feels sustainable, something that aligns with where you are right now. Growth is a process. It unfolds slowly, in small moments of intention and practice. Every time you show up, you create space for transformation. And over time, that space becomes a way of life—a rhythm that align action with purpose.

Keep Showing Up

The reason yogis call it a ‘journey’ is that there is no rush. There is only the practice. The path is ALWAYS present. You are the path. Consistency isn’t just something we do; it’s a way of being.

So, keep showing up. Even when it’s hard. Even when you don’t feel like it. Your practice is working. It’s transforming you in ways you may not see today, but in time, the growth will reveal itself.

Steady steps and deep trust.