Accountability: your secret weapon for achieving fitness goals
When it comes to fitness and health, it’s easy to make big plans—and even easier to let them go (can anyone say New Year’s resolutions?). Life gets in the way, and before you know it, those ambitious goals are on the back burner... again. But there’s a powerful tool that can keep you on track, even when motivation wanes and it’s accountability.
What is Accountability?
Not trying to sound like a know it all but let’s look at what accountability really means. Accountability is the practice of taking ownership of your actions, and for the purposes of this article, we are specifically talking about those related to your health and fitness. It’s about being responsible for what you eat, how often you move, and the lifestyle choices you make.
Accountability for your fitness isn’t about following rigid rules; it’s about deciding to make positive changes that align with your goals and values and owning those decisions to follow through or allow other choices to take you off course.
Why is Accountability Crucial?
We all know that when we’re held accountable, we’re more likely to stick with our fitness routine. Whether it’s a partner, a personal trainer, or an online community, having someone to answer to helps create a sense of commitment and can significantly increase your chances of success.
Research shows that accountability can be the difference between a goal being a dream and becoming a reality. For example, simply having an idea to get fit gives you a 10% chance of succeeding. Developing a strategy boosts your chances to 50%, but committing to someone else skyrockets it to 95%.
Think about the last time you decided to join a gym. Did you have all the best intentions to go regularly? I’m sure you did. And I bet, that because you were heading there on your own, your enthusiasm for this decision soon lapsed and the gym membership became more of a burden than a tool that supported your fitness goals.
I’d suggest that had you signed up with a friend and made a commitment to each other that you would train three times a week and you would share the driving, you’d have been more likely to hit those goals you had. And you would have had more fun because you were with a friend helping each other when your motivation slipped, and laughing when you found it tough.
So, how can you make accountability work for you? Here are five tips to help you stay on track and reach your fitness goals.
1. Document Your Progress
Tracking your progress is one of the most effective ways to hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s journaling your workouts, taking progress photos, or logging your meals, documentation provides a clear record of your journey. It not only reinforces accountability but also helps maintain motivation as you see tangible evidence of your efforts.
Check this download out. It’s a printable weekly fitness tracker that will allow you to record your goals and motivation and then note down what exercise you did each day as well as how many glasses of water you consumed (because we know that’s important too!)
2. Set SMART Goals
Setting the right goals is essential. Use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound—to create goals that are clear and attainable. For example, instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” a SMART goal would be, “I will lose 5 kilos in three months by exercising three times a week and eating a balanced diet with a focus on lean meats and increasing my vegie intake.”
3. Celebrate Your Achievements
Celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and engaged. Whether it’s treating yourself to something special after reaching a milestone or simply acknowledging your progress, these celebrations make the journey more enjoyable and reinforce the positive changes you’re making.
That something special could be a trip to a day spa, that nice pair of boots you’ve had your eye on, or a manicure. You don’t even have to spend money. You can take yourself off for a walk along the beach or along a beautiful country path rather than doing housework on a Saturday afternoon!
4. Find an Accountability Buddy
Having a workout partner or an accountability buddy can be incredibly motivating. This person should share your commitment to fitness and be someone you trust to keep you on track. When you know someone is counting on you, you’re less likely to skip a workout or stray from your plan. Knowing someone is picking you up at 6:15am to make that 6:30am workout session will have you up and out of bed and ready to go instead of rolling over and hitting the snooze button.
5. Shift Your Mindset
Changing how you think about your fitness routine can make a big difference. Instead of dreading workouts, try to focus on how good you feel afterward. Reframe exercise as something you do because you love yourself and want to take care of your body, not because you feel obligated. Own how you think about exercise and be accountable for your own mindset.
Accountability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial component of any successful fitness journey. By documenting your progress, setting the right goals, celebrating your achievements, finding an accountability buddy, and shifting your mindset, you can make accountability work for you and achieve the health and fitness goals you’ve always wanted.
Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s a friend, a personal trainer or a community, having someone to share the journey with can make all the difference. So get that tracker downloaded and work out how you will make yourself accountable and let’s get your health and fitness back on track!