The Four Tendencies: How Your Personality Affects Your Follow-Through

Hey Mums! This week we are diving deeper into maximizing our consistency with the positive changes in our lives.

If you’ve been trying to be consistent with wellness habits and keep slipping, it might not be that you lack discipline. You might just be wired differently. What works for one person might not work for another.

Understanding how you naturally respond to expectations can change everything. It helps you see why you follow through in some areas and struggle in others. Let’s take a closer look together.

Know Yourself to Support Yourself

Author and researcher Gretchen Rubin developed The Four Tendencies. It’s a simple framework that explains how people respond to goals (inner expectations) and accountability (outer expectations).

She describes four main types:

Upholders do well with both inner and outer expectations. They love structure and clear plans but sometimes need permission to rest.

Obligers show up easily for others but struggle to stay consistent for themselves. External accountability, like a coach, class, or check-in partner, helps them follow through.

Questioners need to understand why something matters before committing. Once they see the logic or benefit, their consistency improves.

Rebels value freedom and resist being told what to do, even by themselves. They succeed when they connect goals to identity and choice. “I choose to move my body because it makes me feel alive.”

If you’re curious where you land, take the free quiz (it's short!):

Putting It Into Practice

Once you know your type, you can lean into your strengths and support your weak spots.

If you’re a Questioner, learn the “why.” Understand how strength training supports metabolism or how sleep improves recovery. If research feels overwhelming, book a call with a professional who can explain the details.

If you’re an Obliger, find an accountability partner. Text a friend after each workout or meal prep session. You’ll stay consistent because someone is counting on you.

If you’re an Upholder, plan your week and track progress. Schedule rest days too. Consistency includes recovery.

If you’re a Rebel, focus on freedom and identity. Say, “I’m choosing to move because it helps me feel grounded and strong.”

Support Systems and Sustainable Change

Even the most disciplined people benefit from support. Having someone notice your effort creates motivation and accountability.

When we share our goals, we’re more likely to follow through. We want to show up for the people who believe in us.

If you’re not ready for one-on-one coaching, join the Yummi Mummis Community. It’s free and a space for moms who are rebuilding their routines, learning together, and staying consistent with support and care.

🌸 Final Thought

Consistency becomes easier when you work with your personality instead of against it.
Learn how you’re wired. Build systems and relationships that support your natural strengths.

When you pair self-awareness with the right kind of support, progress feels steady and real.
And that’s when change starts to last. 💛

Sending supportive vibes,

Sam

Ready to turn self-understanding into real progress?
✨ Join the Yummi Mummis Community for free support, or book a consult call to create a plan built around you.