When we talk about holding ourselves accountable, it's like asking if eating healthy or exercising is important - the answer seems obvious, right? But despite knowing the importance of both, why do we often fall short? Why do we put one on the back burner, only giving it attention when faced with a wake-up call, like struggling to climb stairs or receiving a high blood pressure reading?
Having worked with countless individuals at CrossFit Ares, I've come to realize that the key is accountability. We're quick to let ourselves down time and time again, but when someone else is relying on us, we show up.
It's funny how we'll show up for others, not wanting to let them down, yet we continuously disappoint ourselves. We find excuses for not sticking to our nutrition plan or skipping the gym, promising to start again tomorrow or next Monday. And with each letdown, we internalize it as a failure, chipping away at our self-worth.
Sure, relying on others for accountability can be helpful in the short term. We all need that extra push as we embark on our journey to better health. At CrossFit Ares, we've built a supportive framework to assist those starting out - from reminders and check-ins to celebrating every milestone along the way.
Our community of members also plays a crucial role in this journey. Your workout buddy notices when you're absent and sends a friendly text, reminding you that you're missed and welcomed back anytime.
But here's the truth: no matter how much external support you have, it ultimately boils down to you. You have to consciously choose to progress towards your goals every single day. We'll always be here to cheer you on, but if you're not fully committed, it won't stick in the long run.
So, how do we stop letting ourselves down and create a safety net for our goals?
Here are 10 ways to hold yourself accountable:
- Engage in the community: Don't miss out on the magic of having a group of like-minded individuals cheering you on every step of the way.
- Set reminders: Treat your workouts like non-negotiable appointments by scheduling them in your calendar. Set alarms for meal prep to avoid unhealthy choices out of convenience.
- Inform a coach: By sharing your plans, you create an expectation to follow through.
- Visualize success: Hang up a calendar where you can mark off each day you stick to your plan, visually seeing your progress.
- Share on social media: Publicly declaring your goals makes you more likely to stick to them, even if no one follows up.
- Take progress pics: Reflect on how far you've come by comparing where you started to where you are now.
- Set quarterly goals: Schedule regular check-ins with an accountability partner to review progress and set new goals.
- Remember your 'why': Keep your motivation alive by constantly reminding yourself why you started and how it will impact your life.
- Embrace the journey: Understand that progress isn't linear and setbacks are part of the process. Learn from them and keep moving forward.
- Reward yourself: Celebrate small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated.
There are countless ways to hold yourself accountable, so find what works for you. And remember, what worked once might not work forever, so keep experimenting to stay motivated.
If you need help kickstarting your health and wellness journey, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to guide you every step of the way and help you become the best version of yourself. If you would like to schedule a FREE No Sweat Consultation and chat with a coach, we'd love to have you. Click here to reach out and schedule!
