You know the drill – eating healthy, staying active, it's all part of the recipe for a vibrant life. But why do we sometimes struggle to prioritize our health? Why does it often take a wakeup call to get us back on track?
In my journey at CrossFit Glasshouse, I've discovered the missing link: accountability. It's that gentle nudge that pushes us to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
We're quick to show up for others, not wanting to let them down. Yet, when it comes to ourselves, we often fall short. It's time to change that narrative.
1. Embrace Community Support
One of the most powerful tools in your accountability arsenal? Community. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your goals. At CrossFit Glasshouse, our community is here to lift you up, cheer you on, and celebrate your victories – big or small.
2. Set Reminders for Success
Your phone isn't just for scrolling through social media – it's a powerful tool for staying on track with your goals. Set reminders for your workouts, meal prep sessions, and self-care rituals. Treat these appointments with yourself as non-negotiable.
3. Speak Your Intentions Aloud
There's power in vocalizing your intentions. By telling a coach or friend about your plans to hit the gym or cook a healthy meal, you're creating an expectation to follow through. Plus, it feels pretty darn good to share your goals with someone who's rooting for you.
4. Visualize Your Progress
Progress isn't always obvious, especially when you're in the thick of it. That's where visual cues come in handy. Hang up a calendar where you can track your workouts, nutrition wins, and moments of self-care. Seeing your efforts add up over time can be incredibly motivating.
5. Share Your Journey
Don't be afraid to share your journey with others. Whether it's through social media, a blog, or a simple conversation with a friend, putting your goals out into the world can help solidify your commitment. Plus, you never know who you might inspire along the way.
6. Document Your Transformation
They say a picture is worth a thousand words – and when it comes to tracking your progress, that couldn't be more true. Take regular progress photos to document your journey. Not only will it help you see how far you've come, but it'll also serve as a reminder of what you're capable of.
7. Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
When it comes to setting goals, specificity is key. Instead of saying, "I want to get healthier," try setting S.M.A.R.T. goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, "I want to run a 5k in under 30 minutes by the end of the year." Having clear, actionable goals makes it easier to stay accountable.
In CrossFit Glasshouse we book regular goal setting sessions with our members multiple times a year. Our expert coaches help clients set their goals as well as coming up with a plan to reach that goal within a reasonable timeframe.
8. Practice Self-Compassion
No journey is without its bumps in the road. When setbacks happen – and they will – it's important to practice self-compassion. Instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge the setback, learn from it, and then keep moving forward. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
9. Embrace setbacks
Don't make it all or nothing. We are on a journey, not a quick trip to the supermarket. There will be ups and downs. There will be plateaus. There will be naysayers and stress and self-doubt. Don't let those things knock you off your path. Acknowledge them, thank them for teaching you something about yourself and then continue to make forward progress.
10. Reward yourself
Reward yourself for reaching micro-goals. Everyone likes a prize, right? Set micro-goals along the path to your BIG goals and reward yourself for hitting those milestones along the way. An example is if someone wants to lose 15 kilos, they can give themselves a little gift for every 3 kilos lost. Someone who wants to focus on nutrition can reward themselves for each solid week of staying on track or keeping their eating out to below an acceptable minimum for the week. These rewards don't have to cost money, either - get creative with things you enjoy and treat yourself!
At the end of the day, accountability is about more than just reaching your goals – it's about becoming the best version of yourself. So embrace the journey, lean on your support system, and remember: you've got this.
If you would like to book yourself a free No Sweat Intro session and meet with one of our expert coaches, who can help you set goals and keep you accountable, just hit the link below
