A buzz word recently in the fitness/wellness/health industry is “accountability”. Why? Because accountability is one of the BEST ways to ensure success in goal setting. This word is why we have seen a surge in the “health coach” and “life coach” industries: There is a demand for an individual or service to hold us accountable for our goals, despite the fact that a lot of these people hold no particular degree or advanced certification.
So what do we mean by accountability, and how do you achieve it?
Accountability involves taking those goals you set at the beginning of the year (and restored/refreshed via the steps in last weeks advice) and finding a method or vehicle that holds you responsible for those goals. There are a few ways to do this, but the basic premise is that your goal is communicated to someone other than yourself. This alone exponentially increases your odds of success.
* Post it on social media
It may seem silly and you may think “who on social media cares about my new years resolution?”. Even if no one responds, that goal is out there, in print and written by you. It serves as an announcement that you are planning to do said goal, and thus motivates you to achieve it. And chances are, you DO have someone out there who either cares or has a particular specialty or experience that can help you on your journey.
* Tell a friend/Find a training buddy
Tell someone you care about or communicate with frequently about your goal. Having a support system with any sort of goal is HUGE. Even better: Find someone with a similar goal and work together! Get someone to meet up with for a walk… or to help meal plan for the week… or to commiserate with when you are struggling… You will help each other to achieve your goals faster than if you try to go it alone.
* Get a professional to help!
Health/life coaches can help, at the very least, to keep you motivated. If you have a fitness goal, see a trainer or qualified movement specialist (chiropractor, physical therapist, etc) who can do some baseline testing, set an appropriate training schedule, and retest along the way to be sure you are moving forward. Nutrition goals? See a registered dietician for the same sort of concrete planning, with some education and training behind the advice. Find a professional in the realm of your specific goal, and work with them to achieve faster, long-lasting results.
At the very least, post your goal in the comments below. I would love to help any way I can. Don’t let this year be another resolution flop! Little changes in your goal setting and planning can produce amazing results. And stay tuned in here for weekly motivation and advice in all realms of health and wellness. Keep moving forward!