Why Accountability Might Be Just What You Need to Achieve Your Goals

Do you struggle to achieve and stick to the health goals you set for yourself? You are not alone. Accountability is one of the top reasons people are unable to stick with and achieve the health goals they set for themselves.

The definition of accountability is: the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility. For example, if you take responsibility for your own actions, you show accountability. 

This applies to almost every aspect within our lives. You can take these steps and apply them to other areas in your life as you see fit! Here is how to become accountable for your health goals:

1.  Set clear and concise goals: it is very important to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. Be specific - i.e. "I want to be able to run 10km in under 50mins." Write it down somewhere you can see it all the time - the visual component really helps. 
2.  Keep a pulse: track what you are doing and review your progress, this is helpful to see where you may need to make changes. For example, if you want to be able to chest press 25 pounds in 6 weeks and you are starting small and working your way up, every time you do chest presses, write down the date and what weight you used. If you are struggling at 15 pounds and you are 2 weeks from your 6 week goal, you know you need to make adjustments. 
3.  Talk and share: discussing your goals and progress with others, such as a mentor, coach, friend, family member or accountability partner, can provide valuable and uplifting support. This factor alone is proven to increase your chances of success. Having someone else hold you accountable can help you stay motivated and on track. It never hurts to get outside perspectives and solicit constructive feedback. 
4.  Don’t blame others: when things aren’t going as planned, we often turn towards blaming others or making excuses. However, accountability means taking responsibility for your actions, good or bad. In order to improve, you need to acknowledge what went wrong, and find ways to learn and improve.
5.  Practice self-discipline: self-discipline is the ability to control your thoughts, emotions, and actions. This can involve setting boundaries for yourself, such as setting aside dedicated time to work towards your health goal(s) and avoiding distractions like scrolling social media or binge watching Netflix during the time you set aside for food prep or going for a run.
6.  Be accountable to yourself: this involves setting high standards for yourself and committing to meeting them. For example, if you set a goal to exercise at least 4 times per week, try setting a reminder on your phone or tracking your workouts in a journal. Treat these as important appointments that are not to be cancelled or missed. 

Being accountable is an important component in the steps we take to reach our goals. As discussed, it takes time and effort on your part. Goals don’t get reached all on their own, they involve taking responsibility for your actions and your willingness to answer to their outcomes, good or bad. If you are looking for a coach and training mentor to help you stay accountable, look no further! Connect with me, I am here for you on your journey! 250-833-2216