Written By Julie Paiva, CHHC
As we start the approach towards the holiday season, some of you might fear backsliding with your current health goals. It may be with food, fitness, daily habits, or all three. Accountability partners can help you to stay on track and committed to your goals. They can provide you with support, encouragement, inspiration and even some tough love when needed. If you have ever struggled with completing your health goals, here are a few reasons why an accountability partner might be the key to help you accomplish your next wellness milestone.
An Accountability Partner Will …
Encourage You and Cheer You On
Accountability partners are your biggest cheerleaders. There will be days when your patience, motivation, excitement and mental strength start to wane. These are the days to lean on your buddy. They can encourage you to find the will and energy inside you while reminding you of the very reason you started on this journey. They can point out the positive accomplishments that you have achieved thus far and help you to see yourself as capable and confident. Your confidant can help you celebrate all of those little steps and accomplishments along with the big victories.
Inspire You and Challenge You
Accountability partners can challenge you to see what seems impossible as possible. They can give you the push that you need to reach and/or exceed your health goals. Often we can prevent ourselves from hitting our milestones from self-limiting beliefs. Your buddy can cast doubt on those feelings and get you out of your comfort zone. They can help you leap past road blocks and give you the foresight you need to see yourself at the end of this wellness journey.
Help You Prioritize and Keep You in Check
Accountability partners help you to keep your health goals a priority. They make sure that you are taking the time you need for yourself and getting the right things done in order to get to your goal. Buddies want to see you succeed, hold you accountable, and motivate you to keep your eye on the prize. They don’t allow you to give up easily and remind you to put yourself first.
Partner with You and Support You
Accountability partners are your teammates. One of the greatest benefits is that you don’t feel like you are walking on this wellness journey alone. You have someone in your corner that you can lean on. They can help you dispel your fears, give you reality checks, motivate you, and help you acknowledge all of your little victories. Choosing a partner whom you trust and shares similar health goals makes things easier. Check in with your buddy at least once a week and be honest when sharing about your progress and struggles. If you can’t tell them the truth you are only hurting yourself.
Your own motivation may get you started on your healthy path, but when it comes to achieving your wellness goals you might need more than your desire to succeed. Research tells us that people who write down their goals, share them with someone, and check in weekly for accountability have greater success. Whether you choose a friend, loved one, coworker, trainer or health coach, accountability partners serve as confidants and keep you on the right path. They can help you increase your level of commitment and motivate you through those tough days. Find an accountability partner and get ready to bask in the achievement of your wellness goals.
