6 Steps to Holding Yourself Accountable or Finding Someone Who Will.

Last August I wrote a blog post about accountability.  I had just finished a 2.7 mile open water swim race with a friend and felt that our accountability to each other really helped us make it happen.

Fast forward a year and we both decided to sign-up for the race again, even though we both had a lot of other commitments for our summer.

This year, we didn't make it happen.  In a large part it was because we were distracted by our other commitments.  But I also think that we didn't do a very good Job, this year, of holding each other accountable.

Sometimes having a close friend as an accountability buddy works and other times you need someone who will be a little tougher on you, someone who won't take no for an answer.  Maybe even a larger group to keep you going.

This next Monday, September 25th, I'm leading a 21-Day Well-Being Challenge.  During the first five days, we'll be working on setting the stage for success.  Then we'll go on to food choices, exercise choices, and end with heart and mind health.  Click below to find out more!

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SIX STEPS TO HOLDING YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

The first step in achieving a goal is to set your goal.  Write it down.  Make it as specific as possible.  If it’s too vague, you’re less likely to accomplish it.

It's much easier to accomplish a goal that's specific.  Even if it's only one step in the grand scheme of it all, momentum is key.

Next find someone to hold you accountable, depending on the goal.  It could be a friend, a colleague, or sometimes there are groups that could help.

Sometimes, a friend will do the job.  Sometimes, you might need someone a little further removed.  Someone that you are less likely to make excuses to.

Next, decide what will it take to reach your goal.

It really helps to write down what exactly it will take to reach your goal.  Do you need to start right away?  If not, when do you need to start?

Schedule, schedule, schedule!  Put it on the calendar!

Try to take some time once a week, maybe on a Sunday evening to schedule in time for whatever it is you need to do to reach your goal.  If you haven't scheduled it, it's much less likely to happen!

Decide which excuses you’re likely to use for not reaching your goal.  It requires a little self-knowledge, but not too much. ​

If you know what your likely excuses will be, you'll be less likely to use them.  For example, the best time for me to swim is early morning.  I get it out of the way, and I don't have to worry about my day getting away from me.

However, I really like early morning because I have the house to myself and it's nice and quiet.  So sometimes I tell myself that if I stay home, I'll get this or that done, to get a productive start to my day.

I always regret it!  Inevitably, everyone gets up earlier, or I may do things like waste time on social media.

Also, schedule times to check in with your support person or persons.  Sometimes it can help to have someone working towards the same or a similar goal.  Then you can hold each other accountable.

This past Saturday, I hadn't shown up for my somewhat regular Saturday morning swim at the pool.  When the phone rang and it was my friend, Jillian asking if I wanted to jump in the ocean for a swim, I knew I didn't have an excuse not to.  It really does help!

Recognize the benefits of achieving the steps along the way.

Of course, I know that I'll have a better day if I get a swim or a walk with the dogs in, first thing.  It's not just the long term goal of doing a race, getting fit, or having strong legs, that makes it worth it.

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If you would like some help clarifying your goals and getting a start on your health and wellness started on your health and wellness journey, please join me for my 21-Day Fall Well-Being Reset. 

Click here to learn more and sign up!

Create accountability, within accountability, by inviting  a friend or two or more!

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Share your favorite trick to hold yourself accountable for your goals in the comments below!