16: Demystifying The Concept Of Consistency; The Gentle Art Of Progress Over Perfection

Welcome to the Anfisa Shimkevich Podcast! Today, we are demystifying the concept of consistency; why is it so difficult? Why do we fail a lot? And how do you truly succeed at it? I’ll be sharing a unique perspective on consistency which I hope will inspire you to move with greater compassion and ease.

In this episode:

• We examine how consistency shows up in our daily lives, even as life itself is constantly changing. Clocks tick, light shifts, tides ebb and flow, temperatures rise and fall—nothing remains the same. With change all around us, how do we create consistency that endures over time?

• Many people think of consistency as ‘sameness’, something to rigidly uphold no matter what. They believe that maintaining this sameness for a long period of time is the only way to be truly consistent. But this strict approach can feel unrealistic and exhausting.

• Instead, what if we approached consistency in a way that feels good to the body and mind? By building it on a foundation of pleasure and ease, consistency can become sustainable—something we look forward to, not something driven by blood and sweat or sheer willpower.

• Human nature gravitates toward things that feel good. By applying this idea to consistency, you can reframe it as something enjoyable. This "trick" trains your mind to embrace regularity in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore.

• Consistency doesn’t require being perfect or giving 100% effort every single time. What matters is doing something regularly and recognizing that small missteps don’t undo your progress. Zooming out to see the bigger picture helps to keep you grounded.

• Rather than obsessing over weekly goals or a rigid to-do list, allow life’s natural flow to guide you. Unexpected challenges will arise—some beyond your control—and navigating them with flexibility is part of the process.

• Consistency isn’t about never falling off track. It’s about returning to your practice after a break. The real strength lies in showing up again and again, even when you’ve faltered.

• The rigid, modern ideal of consistency simply doesn’t align with how life works. When we fall short, self-shame often creeps in, making us feel like we’ve failed. But life isn’t linear, and it’s impossible to plan or control every moment. Recognizing this helps you give yourself grace and move forward.

• When you align with the reality of your life and challenge the critical voice in your head, you can create a version of consistency that works for you. This approach reduces stress, energises you, and becomes a source of motivation rather than pressure.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to self-mastery!

Host: Anfisa Shimkevich

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