At Everlasting Fitness, we understand the importance of achieving a healthy and active lifestyle. If someone were to ask you about the significance of eating nutritious foods or staying committed to exercise, your answer would undoubtedly be a resounding “yes.” Yet, despite knowing that the combination of nutrition and fitness holds the key to vibrant health, we often find ourselves struggling to prioritize one over the other. We might place our health on the back burner until we’re confronted with a wake-up call – like feeling out of breath after climbing a flight of stairs or receiving a high blood-pressure reading.
In our extensive experience at Everlasting Fitness, we’ve learned that accountability is the linchpin that can bridge the gap between knowledge and action. While we’re often willing to let ourselves down repeatedly, we tend to rise to the occasion when others are counting on us.
We consistently show up for others to avoid disappointing them, yet we repeatedly disappoint ourselves. We make justifications for deviating from our nutrition plans, find excuses to skip the gym, and reassure ourselves that we’ll start fresh tomorrow or next Monday. Over time, this self-neglect accumulates, eroding our self-confidence and self-perception.
While relying on external sources of accountability is beneficial, especially when starting a fitness journey, true and lasting progress ultimately depends on your commitment. We at Everlasting Fitness are here to support and cheer you on, but your active involvement and dedication are vital for long-term success.
So, how can you stop letting yourself down and build a robust support system for reaching your fitness goals? Here are ten effective strategies for maintaining accountability:
- Engage in the Community: We’re here to help, and our community is an integral part of that help. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will cheer you on every step of the way.
- Set Reminders on Your Phone: Schedule your workouts as non-negotiable appointments. Use alarms to remind you when it’s time to prepare a healthy meal, ensuring you don’t resort to unhealthy options out of convenience.
- Share Your Intentions: Let a coach or a workout buddy know when you plan to attend a class. Voicing your intentions creates an expectation that motivates you to follow through.
- Visualize Your Progress: Hang a calendar in a prominent place and mark off the days you hit the gym or stick to your nutrition plan. Seeing your accomplishments accumulate visually reinforces your commitment.
- Share Your Journey Publicly: Share your fitness goals on social media or another public platform. Public accountability increases your commitment to your goals, even if no one follows up on your progress.
- Take Progress Photos: Document your journey by taking before-and-after photos. Comparing your progress over time helps you recognize the positive changes.
- Set Quarterly Goal-Setting Meetings: Schedule regular meetings with an accountability partner to review your progress and set new goals. This helps you stay on track and motivated.
- Remind Yourself of Your “Why”: Understand the deeper reasons behind your fitness goals. Regularly remind yourself of the positive impact your efforts will have on your life and how achieving your goals will make you feel.
- Embrace the Journey: Recognize that progress is not always linear. There will be challenges, plateaus, and setbacks. Learn from them and continue moving forward.
- Reward Yourself for Milestones: Celebrate your achievements along the way by setting and reaching micro-goals. Treat yourself to rewards that inspire you to stay committed.
Remember, there are various ways to maintain accountability, so find what works best for you. Continuously adapt your approach to stay motivated and excited about your fitness success. If you need assistance in starting or reinvigorating your health and wellness journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d be delighted to arrange a No-Sweat Intro session to discuss your goals and create an action plan tailored to your needs. Book your session HERE today!