Have you ever achieved something significant, only to realize that keeping it up is even harder?
Whether it’s reaching a personal milestone, achieving a professional goal, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the real challenge often lies not in the initial achievement but in the consistent effort required to sustain it. This is something I learned early on from Bikram, who would often say, “Achieving anything is great, but maintenance is the hard part. Maintenance is the key to life.”
Think about it—how many times have you seen someone get in great shape or lose weight, only to gradually put it back on? Or maybe you’ve started a diet or nutritional program and felt amazing, only to slip back into old habits once the initial motivation faded. We often set out with great intentions, whether it’s building a successful career, cultivating meaningful relationships, or committing to a new health regimen. But once the goal is reached, the real work begins: maintaining that success over the long term.
Bikram would always remind us that yoga is not just a practice—it’s a system designed for daily maintenance. It’s not about the occasional breakthrough or the rare moments of clarity on the mat; it’s about showing up every day, rain or shine, and putting in the work.
He would say, “You don’t brush your teeth once and expect them to stay clean forever, do you? Yoga is the same. It’s daily maintenance for your body, mind, and spirit.”
This perspective shifted the way I approached not just yoga, but life in general. I began to see that the true value of any achievement lies in how well we maintain it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of reaching a goal, but what happens after? How do we ensure that the progress we’ve made doesn’t slip away?
Steps to Maintaining What Matters
Maintaining the important aspects of life—whether it’s your health, relationships, career, or personal growth—requires certain qualities and consistent actions. Here are some key steps to keep in mind:
Discipline: The foundation of maintenance is discipline. It’s the commitment to show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it. Discipline keeps you on track and ensures that you continue to make progress, no matter how small.
Patience: Maintenance isn’t about instant gratification. It’s a slow, steady process that requires patience. Understand that lasting results take time, and be willing to wait and work through the ups and downs.
Consistency: Success is built on consistency. Whether it’s your yoga practice, your job, or your relationships, the small, consistent efforts you make each day add up over time. Consistency helps you build momentum and keeps you moving forward.
Compassion: Be kind to yourself on this journey. There will be days when you slip up or feel like you’re not doing enough. Instead of being harsh, practice self-compassion. Recognize that maintenance is a process, and it’s okay to have setbacks as long as you keep going.
Adaptability: Life is constantly changing, and so must your approach. Be open to adjusting your methods and strategies as needed. Whether it’s tweaking your routine or shifting your mindset, adaptability ensures that you can maintain your progress in the face of change.
Reflection: Regularly reflect on your progress. Take time to assess what’s working and what isn’t. Reflection allows you to stay aligned with your goals and make any necessary adjustments to your approach.
Practical Tips for Making It Work
Maintaining what matters in life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical things you can do to make it work:
Set Clear Goals: Know what you want to maintain and why. Having clear goals gives you direction and motivation to keep going.
Create a Routine: Establishing a routine helps to integrate maintenance into your daily life. Whether it’s a morning yoga session, regular check-ins with loved ones, or setting aside time for self-care, routines create structure and consistency.
Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is crucial for maintaining everything else in your life. Ensure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and engaging in activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit.
Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your efforts. Whether it’s a mentor, a friend, or a community, having a support system can make the process of maintenance more enjoyable and sustainable.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate the small victories along the way. Acknowledging your progress keeps you motivated and reinforces the importance of maintaining your efforts.
As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of a quote by Jim Rohn: “Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying basic fundamentals.” This is what Bikram was teaching us all along. The key to life isn’t in the grand gestures or the big achievements; it’s in the consistent, daily maintenance of the things that matter most.
So, I invite you to ask yourself:
What areas of your life are you maintaining, and where might you need to put in a little more daily effort?
Remember, achieving something is great, but the true challenge—and reward—lies in maintaining it.
Namaste Sumit Banerjee
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