Consistency key to change and essential in creating good habits

FRIDAY, JUNE 22: This is the time of year when graduations are abound — all ages groups from preschool to college are graduating.

What exactly is graduation? To me it means going from one level to a higher level — almost like climbing – which pretty well sums it up.

If you want change and improvement one must step up to a higher level. How do you do this?

Well for one you must be committed in your effort to want to climb higher. Once your commitment has been established then you map out your plan of action and whatever action you map out make sure you are consistent in following it through.

The key word is consistent— to effect any change one must be consistent.

In a nutshell it means not to give up on what you want to change for the best.

There is a saying that ‘practice makes perfect’ and really consistency and practice is one and the same.

If you want to be a better singer, dancer, footballer, and student, you must study and practice until you attain the goal you desire.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said in a hadith that: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are the most consistent of them, even if they are few.”  Indeed Allah loves consistency. So how do you begin to become consistent? It starts with self-reflection and creating habits.

Many studies show that it takes 21 days at least to create a habit — once a habit is formed it’s hard to break — so let’s make sure we are consistently creating good habits.

 Self reflection is the only way to improve ourselves in almost every aspect of life — small as well as big things. Set your standards high and slowly but surely work towards attaining your goals.

Let’s ask ourselves what can we do to effect change for the better in our community — it might mean to make a conscientious effort to smile more, or do some good deed consistently throughout the year.

To improve as better Muslims, in fact to become better people we must be consistent in improving our actions. Reflect on our lifestyle or habits, make time in the day even if it’s for five minutes to do a good deed. Start within your family, it’s always the best place to start.

May Allah (swt) allow us to be consistent with His deen and give us the strength, consciousness to be better human beings now and in the future. Let us consistently graduate to a higher level in this life. Ameen.