One of the most common things I hear in my coaching is, “Yeah, Seethal, I want to reach my goals, but I’m not consistent enough.”

There is a huge misconception that consistency is a trait: some people are born with it, and some just can’t do it. But consistency is actually a skill that can be built over time with practice and strategies that work for you.

The strategies for improving consistency depend on the individual and the goal, but here are a few you can try to see if they help with your progress.

1. Don’t skip it two days in a row. If you do, return at the next opportunity instead of letting the missed days pile up.

2. Do a smaller, milder version of the activity when life gets busy but don't stop.

3. Keep it simple. Too many options can make it harder to follow through. Choose a simple routine and give yourself time to practice it before making changes.

4. Keep the things you need organized and ready to use. For example, if you want to exercise at home, keep your exercise equipment in place so you can get started without delay.

5. Upgrade your mindset and stop wasting time dwelling on the days you missed. Instead, start again in whatever form you can, for whatever time you have, to break the cycle of stagnation.

6. Set realistic goals that match your current schedule.

7. If you keep missing the habit, reevaluate whether your goals are too big or too small. If they are too big, they can feel overwhelming. Breaking them down into smaller goals can help you stay consistent. If they are too small, they may not feel inspiring enough for you to show up every day.

8. Be willing to give up some things to make space for the habit. Sometimes, a habit doesn’t stick because it never gets a place on your priority list. Some days, the dishes can wait or the laundry can stay unfolded so you have time to exercise.

9. Get your support system on board. This could be an accountability partner you report your progress to, an online Facebook group where people discuss and practice similar habits, or a partner who takes care of your child while you finish your task.

10. Add a little variety once in a while to keep things interesting. Keep your core routine simple, but when things start to drag, use it as an opportunity to jazz things up.

At the end of the day, if the habit is important to you, don’t give up on it. Even successful athletes and CEOs can struggle with distractions and consistency issues. What matters is that they keep coming back, even after the days they miss.

“I’m not consistent enough” doesn’t have to be your identity. Consistency can be something you’re learning.