Have you ever set a resolution on 31st Decemberfor the coming year? Maybe you planned to stop eating donuts, start working outregularly at the gym, or even stop smoking. And yet only a few days into thenew year you’ve broken that carefully thought out resolution, and you’re backto your bad old ways. Your self esteem plummets again. How can you make sure you’llkeep your promise to yourself this time?
To start us off, I’ll let you in on my goal for 2009: I’vealways wanted to participate in a triathlon, so my fitness goal is to be at alevel at which I can participate by the end of the year. By telling you aboutthis goal I’ve already increased the chances I’ll get there. Why? Lettingothers know what I’m going to do will hold me accountable to whoever I’ve told.And I know they’ll call me on it – accountability makes me want to win, to not loseface.
How accountability can work foryou: Choose one or more people that you feelsafe with, and reveal your health and fitness goals to them. Even better, writethem down, hand over the piece of paper, and ask them to check in with you onthe due date. If you really want to add some spice to this process, offer tobuy them an expensive lunch if you don’t do what you say you’re going to!
Now, the next part of the process for you: To achieve mytriathlon goal, I have to take my fitness up to the next level. I’m alreadyreasonably fit, already working out six hours aweek with walking, weight training and boxing; but triathlon training requirestwice as much time, 13 hours of training a week, including running, cycling and swimming.Clearly, well outside my comfort zone. It would be all too easy to start training and give up again when thepain and the extra time gets inconvenient. But I’ve got support in the form of my personal trainer, Sandra Colvin. Sandracomes to some training sessions with me and for the other sessions I report inon my progress (there’s that accountability element again). She cheers me onwhen I’m going well, and encourages me when I’m running out of steam. (Thanks Sandra!)
How support can work for you:Choose a professional in the field whocan give you expert advice, encouragement and support. It’s like having yourown personal cheer squad. A professional knows just what you need to do, andwill identify your wobbly feelings about reaching your goals even before you do.
When choosing your support person, I highly recommend youchoose a professional. Friends and family relationship dynamics may get in theway of providing you with effective support.
ACTION THIS:
1. 1. Add your health andfitness goals to the comments below. I’ll remind you about them at the end ofthis year
2. 2. Engage a professional tohelp you get there – a personal trainer, nutritionist, counsellor, naturopath,hypnotist, whichever professional field best matches your goals. Do it now! (Ifyou’re not sure which could be the best professional for you, add your commentbelow and I’ll reply.)
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