If you are like most folks, by the end of January you are either discouraged about your lack of progress toward your goals or you have given up on them altogether.

In either case, allow me to offer you two words:

consistency and decision.

Consistency

In graduate school, I was fortunate enough to be able to play racquetball just about every day. Racquetball is one of those games where you can play well, lose focus for just a second, and then play very poorly.

We had a saying back then that applies in the present:

Consistency is the key.

Consistently focusing on doing the necessary things to achieve your goals will win out every time.

If your goal is to get in better shape, then consistently exercising and eating right will get you there.

If your goal is to save more money, then spending less on junk and consistently putting money in the bank will get you there. You either consistently blow your money on junk or consistently save it.

So if consistency is the key, what is the key to consistency?

Decisions

Making the right decision and choice over and over again over time equals consistency.

If you want to get into better shape, get the junk food out of the house, because if it's there you will eat it.

If you want to save money, have it taken out of your paycheck and sent to savings before you ever see it.

There's one question to ask yourself often to keep you consistent and making the right decisions.

What do you really want?

Do you really want the short-term enjoyment of that candy bar or do you genuinely want the long-term enjoyment of being in better shape and saving money?