Tools To Use For Consistency

As I wrap up June, I like to think about what I want out of this year. Every time a new month comes, I get that fresh burst of energy with the thought of starting over new and fresh. I make my list of goals and listen to motivational speakers. I get geared up and ready to go. I am consistent for maybe three really good days and then I falter. Anyone else? 

Of course I don’t mean to or even want to, but something about consistency and me don’t blend. This is when I need to look at all the ways I have previously tried to be consistent, stay on top of my goals, and then throw out those ideas. Because guess what? They didn’t work. So why would I continue to do those things? Even if it is not the operation itself but maybe how I go about it that needs to change, either way, reflecting is an excellent way to figure out what you can do better and perhaps even let go of. 

I have recently discovered that checklists are my jam and keep me on task and productive. It seems so simple, right? But sometimes, we just need something simple in our lives to be more productive. I have tried three different methods so far, and I think I have finally settled on one. 

The first thing I tried was an app called “My Routine.” Don’t get me wrong—I loved this app, and if you are willing to pay for it, you may love it too. But right now, I wasn’t willing to pay until I found out if checklists were even my thing. 

Then I tried Trello. I love Trello because you can do so many things with it, and it can be a great organizational tool. However, whenever I made checklists, I couldn’t find a way to uncheck all of the boxes for the next day's restart, and therefore it became too task-oriented for me. 

Then comes the ole tried-and-true Google Keep. I have used the Google Keep app for many years now, and I must say I use this app almost every day. This particular app makes it extremely easy to make checklists and uncheck all items simultaneously. Bingo! I’m sold! Most of us like simple features, right?

I have made several checklists and I have been sticking to them. Throughout my day I go in and check things off as I go and then before bed at night, I uncheck all the boxes in preparation for the next day. Ah! Nice and simple! 

So far, the checklists have been a game-changer. They keep me on task and are a great way to get me back on track when I find myself scrolling instead of doing something I need to get done. Checklists can be used for unlimited things as well. Packing, grocery shopping, parties, daily tasks, work tasks, cleaning, etc. If you are a visual person like me, try it out. It may be the game-changer you have been looking for!