Chris O'Shea
Many people run into financial roadblocks because they try to do everything perfectly. The reality is, perfection isn’t required to make progress—and chasing it often leads to frustration or giving up altogether.
It’s okay to make money mistakes. What matters more is showing up consistently. Here’s how to focus on consistency instead of perfection.
Automate Decisions
The biggest enemy of consistency is having to make too many decisions.
If you rely solely on willpower every time you get paid—like manually transferring money into savings—you also create opportunities to skip it or spend more instead.
Why Automation Works
Automating tasks removes constant decision-making and reduces the risk of falling off track.
Automation Action Steps
Here are some steps to automate your success:
- Set up automatic transfers to savings on payday.
- Automate bill payments to avoid late fees.
- Contribute automatically to retirement accounts if possible.
Think Incrementally
Consistency turns small incremental actions into meaningful results over time.
Why it Works
It’s easy to overlook small contributions, but they add up faster than you think. Even modest amounts, saved regularly, can grow into something significant.
Action Steps
Small, repeatable actions are more sustainable than big, occasional efforts. Here are some ways to get started:
- Start with an amount you can stick to—even if it feels small.
- Increase contributions gradually over time.
- Focus on building the habit first, not on the size of the contribution.
Review and Repeat
Consistency is more than “set it and forget it.”
Your finances, your family, your life, and your job change and evolve. Regular check-ins help you stay aligned with your goals and make adjustments when needed.
Review Action Steps
Think of it as a quick reset to keep everything on track.
- Review your budget and spending every few months.
- Check your savings, emergency fund, and retirement savings progress.
- Adjust your plan as your income or expenses change.
Keep it Simple
The more complicated the system, the harder it is to maintain over time. Simple systems are easier to repeat, and repetition is what builds consistency.
How to Keep it Simple
- Limit the number of accounts or categories you manage.
- Use tools or apps that simplify tracking.
- Focus on a few key habits instead of trying to optimize everything.
Bottom Line
Building better financial habits isn’t about perfection—it’s about doing the right things regularly.
Do one thing: Focus on consistency with your budget and finances, not on being perfect.
