Accountable is defined as (of a person, organization or institution) required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.
There are more than 1,840,000 posts on Instagram hash-tagging accountability. Why? Because it is one of the main reasons people who start any new goal or challenge fall short of meeting it. They do not hold themselves accountable.
It is easy to say you are going to do something, not so easy following through. I know I have at one time or another set out to accomplish something and in a short time fell out of the new habit, then got deflated and quit altogether.
One of the best ways I believe to stay on track is by joining a group of like-minded people or finding a friend or partner to stay accountable to. Fitness and wellness are part of my day-to-day life and I still enjoy group fitness and have a workout buddy that I stay accountable to.
I have learned from my failures over the years that not only do I need to set goals but I need to tell people about the goals I have set. My track record has taught me that I am far more successful in accomplishing goals and challenges when I tell others about them. Why? Because then I feel more pressure in completing the goals in the first place. Sound familiar?
We did a poll in the gym: share your favourite T-shirt quote. The top voted quote was “Stronger than my Excuses!” This says a lot when talking about accountability.
One of the ways we help our members stay on track is to create fun challenges like the Pre-Turkey Burn that happened before Thanksgiving. It challenged members to get in cardio exercise to earn raffle tickets for prizes. We even raffled off a local farm fresh turkey from Stocking Creek Farms.
This week, we are starting an accountability challenge to help our members stay on track during the holiday season. Whether you are looking to learn something new or embark on a fitness plan there is a group out there that is looking for you to join.
Accountability coaching apps like Goal Wizard, Asana, My Fitness Pal and Mastermind are some of the top-rated apps to help you set and achieve goals in all areas of life from money management to losing weight.
These apps and groups will help you set goals, remind you to complete tasks and help you to stay on track and accountable to others, but more importantly to yourself.
When you hold yourself accountable in all areas of your life you start to succeed in the goals you set out for yourself. Positive self esteem starts with self love and one of the best ways to feel good about yourself is completing goals and challenges that you set for yourself.
So, don’t wait until New Year’s to set your resolutions. Set that resolution now with No. 1, accountability.
(Nicole Cournoyer is the general manager of Anytime Fitness in Chemainus).