This months training tip is on accountability and how it increases results!
Accountability creates consistency, and if you aren't consistent, you'll never reach your goals of losing fat and building a lean, healthy body.
So you have set your goals and you’re ready to go, but you need to have a plan for sticking with it. Eating well for a day or two and working out a couple of times feels good, but sticking to the plan long term and actually achieving your goals takes commitment and accountability.
One way for you to keep accountable is by having a good support system. Whether that might be with your personal trainer, a partner or family and friends. By having a positive support system you will be able to stay motivated and consistent more easily and for much longer.
Research has proven that having a support system has many positive benefits, such as higher levels of well-being, better coping skills and a longer and healthier life. The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) did a study on accountability and found that you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you commit to someone. And if you have a specific accountability appointment with a person you’ve committed to, you will increase your chance of success by up to 95%.
Another method of keeping yourself accountable is creating a schedule that you share with your accountability partner. Start by using an online diary (such as google calendar or ical) and put your appointments in so both of you can see what you're committed to. Make sure that you put all of your appointments into the calendar whether it be a session with your trainer, attending the gym or even food prep and make sure it can not be moved. Review your schedule with your accountability partner weekly, review your adherence to the schedule and constantly look for ways that you can improve.
One of the most important focuses with your accountability partner, is to be honest with one another. Achieving results is hard work and it will require uncomfortable conversations. Would you really want a partner who sugar-coats his/her opinions or expects you to take it easy on them? Invite each other to be brutally honest if needs be with observations, thoughts, and ideas - and don’t be afraid to have authentic, yet respectful reactions when you hear something difficult. You’ll find that the most effective partnership is one where you can both ‘keep it real.’ So a brief summary to keep yourself accountable:
Get a good support system, whether that be with your partner at home, your family, trainer or friends. These people will make it much easier to stay focused on the achievement of your goals.
Book regular appointments in your diary with your accountability partner, make sure you review your schedule and figure out different ways to improve. Be honest with each other and make sure you give each both positive and negative feedback and how to over come that problem.
Make sure you track your progress along the way which will help keep you motivated. Don’t forget to tell your support system about all your results that your achieving and what your enjoying about your fitness journey! They are there to support you every step of the way.