Spring Forward to Action! - Accountability

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

27 Mar 2006 07:00 AM

Accountability is an issue that helps and hinders all of us. In the Spring Forward to Action Challenge, defining your accountability from the outset will help you to stay on track. There are several different types of accountability methods. The methods I will discuss include:

• A Journal
• A Trainer
• A Trust

The first is a method that makes you directly accountable to yourself. Now, this has its pros and cons. An obvious pro is that you can track your workouts, how you feel both before and after. You can also measure your progress and weigh whether you need to increase your intensity or step it down.

The cons to a journal are that you have to be reliable in your methods. You have to write it down religiously and you have to perform the workouts. You have to be honest with yourself and you have to keep yourself motivated. If you like the journaling method, then choose the form you plan to keep your journal in whether it's electronic or hand-written. Write down motivation pieces on each date that you plan your workout and set up a reward system for yourself. When you reach a certain point in the week or month, reward yourself for having made it that far.

The trainer method could be called training or partner method. You don't have to get a personal trainer unless you want to. This method requires you to get a workout partner whether it's a friend, a spouse or even an older child. They workout with you, work with you and help you maintain your accountability. They also provide you with incentives because you don't want to disappoint them. This keeps you both working together.

If you've never maintained a workout program in the past, this might be the best method to keep yourself going and motivated. Talk to your friends and family, more than likely there is someone there who wants to work out as well. Talk to them and help them write up and action plan as well. When it's time to get started, you'll have company for your workouts and someone to help you maintain your accountability with.

The final method of accountability you might use is a Trust. The trust is a combination of journaling and friendship by using a message board here at Families.com or comment section of the blog to discuss your choices of workout for the day. The community here can help you with your accountability and provide you with support on your hard days. Whatever method of accountability you choose, you should incorporate it into your Action Plan.

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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