Become More Consistent With Your Thoughts, Words, and Actions and Live a Happier Life
You probably already know that happiness comes from within, but as with everything in life, it’s easier said than done. The fact of the matter is that we’re human and therefore inconsistent with our thoughts, words, and actions, which in turn makes us inconsistent with our happiness levels. However, there are several ways to become more consistent with your thoughts, words, and actions so you can live the happier life you deserve. This article will cover those ways in detail and give you some ideas to help achieve consistency between your thoughts, words, and actions to become happier!
Write Down What Matters Most to You
It’s important to reflect on, and list what matters most in your life. This list of goals—or values—can help you align your thoughts, words, and actions. Consider keeping a list on hand so you can review it periodically throughout your day (especially when faced with tough decisions). By using words that reflect what really matters to you, chances are you’ll find yourself acting more consistently in line with these things—and feeling happier as a result. Make sure every aspect of your life gets equal attention; even if work is a top priority, for now, make sure family or health is reflected somewhere too.
If we wrote down what matters most in each of our lives—whether that’s work, family, or health—and reflected on them periodically throughout our day, chances are we’d act more consistently in line with these things. After all, we can’t think about everything all at once!
Start Doing What is Right Rather Than What Feels Good
If you want to be happier and more consistent, make the switch from doing what makes you happy to doing what’s right instead. Most people choose immediate gratification over long-term benefit—and in many cases, they don’t even realize they are doing it. Instead of saying no to something that gives them instant pleasure or fulfillment, for example, people say yes—and then regret it later on. But by making a conscious effort each day to do things that will make you happier over time rather than things that provide instant gratification (like talking about your problems instead of working through them), you can live a more fulfilling life in every sense of the word. Consistency leads to happiness!
Don’t forget: What is easy now often proves difficult down the road. It takes strength to deny yourself instant satisfaction; but ultimately, living out what you know you should be doing is so much more rewarding and helpful than simply conforming to societal pressures. Be patient and always seek balance when planning for your future success; have fun along the way!
Take Action
Taking action is only half of improving your life. The other half is consistency—being consistent with your thoughts, words, and actions. It’s true that you don’t want to become enslaved by your own lack of self-control. But you also don’t want to be trapped in some comfort zone where you have no control over anything except your own complacency (which is arguably worse). Strive for consistency in everything you say, do, and think about, and you’ll notice how much happier you’ll feel.
We might berate ourselves for not taking action in some aspects of our lives when we tell ourselves things like, “That will not work” or “I don’t have time for that.” Or maybe you make excuses like: I need more money/resources/experience. But if these are things you say, it means you already have enough experience with self-development books and courses to know that these things aren’t true. We can all find time in our schedules for anything we truly want (there are 168 hours every week). The only thing holding us back is our own complacency and lack of self-discipline.
Consistent Thoughts, Words, and Actions…
In order to be more consistent with your ideas, words and actions there are numerous methods available. Make a list of the things that are most important to you, and take time to focus on them throughout the day. Rather than focusing on short-term pleasures, make an effort each day to engage in activities that will make you happier in the long run. In the long run, things that are easy now might be really tough. In the long run, it’s better to do what you know you should be doing than to avoid it. You’ll notice an improvement in your mood if you strive to be consistent in everything you say, do, and think.
Additional Resource: Happiness Starts With You Course
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