Consistency in action will get you there (wherever “there” is!)

Cambridge dictionary definition of success: “the achieving of the results wanted or hoped for”:
For me, success means living a healthy, balanced, vibrant life being the best that I can be in each and every moment and inspiring others to do the same. Living abundantly, having peace of mind, living my purpose (and enjoying it), free of any limiting beliefs, being happy, content and surrounded by loved ones, learning from the tough lessons and above all, loving every moment of the ride.
Whatever your definition, success is a series of right steps, in the right direction, be it business excellence, fame & fortune or a happy, healthy family life; putting steps in place will help you to achieve your version of success. Routines give us a framework and provide rhythm to our daily life. Whilst it is true that often the “habit” gets a bad rap as something that needs to be “broken”, healthy habits or rituals can improve our sense of wellbeing and improve our quality of life. Shamans have long understood what neuroscientists are confirming today, the force of ritual to effect a change in the brain.
Create your own personal ‘standard of excellence’; and meditate upon your own modus operandi for how you choose to work/live/move through life, and create a sound daily practice to help you to achieve your own personal vision of success. A daily ritual sets you up for the day, conditions your mind and gives you a positive framework.
Mine looks something like this:
- Exercise — at least some form of movement every day! I like to combine Yoga/Pilates with a cardio or Tabata work out (sweating is great to increase blood circulation, boost energy and endorphins), a walk in the countryside with plenty of fresh air, bioenergetic shaking for 7–10 minutes, or a combination of the above
- Hot and cold shower
- Meditation and spiritual practice
- Visualisation
- Affirmations
- I intermittent fast and start the day with hot water and lemon to alkalinise the system and when I break-my-fast, prepare either a celery juice, green juice or homemade vegan seed bread with herbal tea
- Reading and brain games, (I have an ongoing scrabble match with my mum!)
- I am constantly working on shaking off the sabotaging self-talk and quietening that disruptive small voice, replacing it with a more expansive and positive outlook
- At least 8 hours quality sleep a night, (or whatever the optimum number of hours are for you)
- Eat healthily! Fundamental! Nourish your body, nourish your soul (I eat a rainbow diet, free of processed foods, dairy and gluten) — Hippocrates knew what he was talking about 400 BC ‘Let thy food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food’
- Mindset! Where are your thoughts taking you? Where attention goes, energy flows. Be focussed and committed to your vision and let go of anything that does not serve you. I endeavour to monitor my thoughts (a lifetime’s work!) and as Mahatma Gandhi said, “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.”
- Walking in nature grounds me, I love walking barefoot on the dewy grass first thing in the morning
- Love thyself — definitely a work in progress!
Much of this is ‘consistency in action’, sure I get knocked off balance sometimes (like this evening!) but I recognise it and try and be gentle and bring myself back into balance and equanimity rather than do my “usual” and beat myself up about it.
Enjoy creating your own healthy rituals knowing that these will make you feel empowered, create a better outlook on life and give you a greater sense of wellbeing as well as future proofing your life.
Quick tip
SAVERS — everyone can find 6 minutes a day, here is a mini ritual from Hal Elrod, author of “The Miracle Morning” a quick and dirty way to start creating your own personal routine:

S = SILENCE (meditation, prayer, breathing)
A = AFFIRMATION
V= VISUALISATION
E = ENERGY/EXERCISE
R = READING
S = SCRIBING
