Chapter 1: The Struggle with Consistency

I’ve been grappling with inconsistency in my life and work lately. A friend remarked, “I wish I could be as consistent and productive as you,” which struck me as amusing given my own struggles.

I often wish I could portray myself as a productivity powerhouse. It would be nice to claim I rise at precisely 3:27 AM, fully aligned with my natural rhythm, achieving seven hours of focused work, propelled by an unwavering discipline. However, that level of discipline escapes me.

Currently, I find myself drifting in and out of habits as if they were social media feeds I check obsessively for a few moments before moving on. Ironically, the only thing I’ve consistently done is… attempt to be consistent.

In that respect, I suppose I’ve succeeded. I keep striving and pushing through difficult times, continually returning to the hard work, no matter how many setbacks I face. I believe that this persistence is what truly matters. If I maintain this mindset, I am confident that establishing consistency in other aspects of my life will eventually follow.

Time will reveal whether I look back on this in a few years and find that I am still writing.

Recently, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed.

When it comes to writing, I've been excessively introspective. I watch accomplished writers on the platform and think, "Wow, they are excelling! How can I ever measure up?" Yes, I am aware that comparing myself to others steals my joy. Yet, I sometimes wonder if I’m addicted to discontent or perhaps fear embracing happiness. Have you considered that?

This led me into a spiral of self-doubt, questioning my abilities in the writing realm. Committing to this craft can feel daunting.

I even entertained the idea of quitting, convinced that whatever I produced wouldn’t matter: no one would read it, and it would never compare to the work of others. I found myself staring blankly at an empty screen, struggling to muster the motivation to write. Eventually, I managed to write something, only to delete it all twice.

The next attempt left me completely at a loss, causing me to procrastinate and wallow in the negativity I felt, all triggered by just a few moments of observing others.

It’s all part of the process… or so I tell myself.

Perhaps my writing is subpar. Perhaps only a handful of friends—whom I have very few of—will read my work (hey there, friends!). Maybe I won’t reach the heights of the top writers, nor will I earn the fortune touted by countless internet personalities.

And that’s okay. I might as well write whatever comes to mind. If no one reads it, fantastic! That means I can express the most ridiculous and embarrassing thoughts without any judgment.

Fart donkeys, tit balls, ooga booga boogaloo.

Strangely liberating, isn’t it? Thankfully, my audience is small, so I’m free to explore these ideas.

Chapter 2: Recognizing the Ripple Effect

My writing isn’t the only area where I’ve let things slide.

Every aspect of my life that was gaining momentum has suffered. I neglected meditation, healthy eating, exercise, positive self-talk, journaling, and other beneficial habits. I notice this pattern whenever I fall into a rut:

• I wake up later than usual.
• I find myself idling, avoiding creation and neglecting my plans.
• I skip small habits, thinking they don't matter, only to regret it days later.

Marginal gains work in both directions, Lochlan.

I will gradually reintroduce those positive habits into my life, but I’ll also ease up on the pressure I place on myself as if the entire world is watching my every move. There’s simply no need for that kind of stress.

In my pursuit of productivity, I’ve forgotten how to enjoy life.

Chapter 3: A New Approach to Writing

In light of my frustration with inconsistency and the pressure I impose on myself, I’ve created a publication called "Lochlan Unfiltered."

This platform allows me the freedom to write about whatever I choose, without the weight of expectations. I want to share authentic stories that resonate with me and offer insights for readers to take away. I see many writers here chasing clicks and money, which is disheartening. My younger self would have found such pursuits off-putting, craving connection with genuine individuals.

While I aim to provide value, I’m shifting my focus away from perfection and SEO optimization. The whole SEO thing feels so insincere and tiresome. Writing freely, without the constraints of how an algorithm will evaluate my work, will be a welcome change.

Additionally, I have a personal motive; I want this space to act as a therapeutic journal where I can navigate my thoughts and challenges.

Chapter 4: Steps Toward a New Routine

I’m taking several steps to reshape my routine:

• I’m reestablishing my daily practices.
• I’ll be implementing a productivity inventory (essentially a to-do list).
• I’m allowing myself some downtime. This isn’t about giving up.
• I’ll show up for my habits, even if it’s just the bare minimum for now.

I’m uncertain where this journey will lead me, but I believe that pursuing a decent path is better than remaining stagnant.

In this video, "Why You're Inconsistent (And What to Do About It)," we explore the common reasons behind inconsistency and practical steps to improve.

The video "Being Inconsistent Slowly Ruins Your Life" dives into how inconsistency can impact various areas of your life and offers insights on overcoming it.