Proven Strategies to Hold Yourself Accountable

So much of what I do as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach is help my clients (and hopefully y'all as well) effectively set and achieve wellness goals.

In order to do so, though, I have to hold my clients accountable to the weekly action steps we set together that help them reach their goals and live in-line with their "Best Self". Yet I'd be doing them (and YOU) a disservice if I didn't provide them with the tools to be able to do this on their own.

I shared these tips on my Instagram this week, and the response from y'all clearly showed you'd like me to dive in more deeply, so here we go!

Set a realistic goal

This might seem simple, but I can't emphasize it enough - if our goal is unrealistic, we're setting ourselves up for failure. Start SMALL and critically think about what's realistic in your current life and routine.

For example, saying you'll workout every single day for the next year is impractical and likewise might make you feel like you've "failed" if you're unable to maintain this schedule. Instead, you could start by committing to 3 workouts a week - this is doable and will make you feel proud and accomplished!

Create a concrete action plan

This is perhaps the MOST important factor! I always encourage you to check out my health coaching program options where we're able to create this together in more detail.

To get started, though, you HAVE to break down your goals into small, bite-sized action steps in order to be successful. Think about the daily activities needed to be able to achieve each goal you set for yourself. Take it step by step and add on as you go!

Remind yourself of extrinsic v. intrinsic motivators

I see this ALL the time - people come to me asking how to lose weight, change their habits, etc. but when we dive in more deeply, we both realize it's not always for the right reasons.

If our goals are solely rooted in EXTRINSIC (external) motivators (ex: being thin to impress others or "fit in") instead of INTRINSIC (internal) motivators (ex: to have more energy & live a long, healthy life) we'll never truly be successful or feel satisfied.

Identify your support system

Having a supportive community is an incredibly important factor not only to achieving our goals but also in our health and wellness overall. Having a buddy to go to workout classes with, a partner who will help you plan and prepare healthy meals or a coach who will check in and hold you to your word can all be members of your personal "team".

Don't be afraid to SHARE your goals with those around you and ASK for help and encouragement. I think you'll find that those who love you will be thrilled to help and support however they can.

Enhance your environment to support change & growth

I can't tell y'all how important this is! If the CONDITIONS in our lives aren't conducive to change, we're destined for failure. In order to set yourself up for success, you have to create an environment that supports the habits you're looking to establish.

This could look like stocking your fridge with nourishing foods or being mindful to surround yourself with like-minded people who support your goals and lift you up.

Assess your consistency & time management

Routinely checking in with yourself is so important. This could be a daily journal exercise or nightly conversation with your partner to discuss how you're progressing towards your goals and how you can improve moving forward.

It's never about perfection but rather about using our time effectively and staying consistent with the actions and habits that help us feel our best.

Take time to recharge

Last but NOT least - make sure you take time to really rest and recover! Regardless of what you're working on, it's essential to take time to rest so that you can continue to see progress.

Back to our gym example - if you work out every single day you'll eventually burn out, injure yourself or simply get bored. Taking days to recharge is essential so that your "on" days are more effective and rewarding.

I hope these thoughts and tips help you establish the foundation for healthy habits and goals that support the best version of YOU.

Always here to chat and dive in more deeply - never hesitate to shoot me a message on Instagram with any questions or topics you want to discuss!