A catalyst for transformation: Relational accountability

Struggling to reach your health goals? Perhaps you need to engage in relational accountability in order to find motivation, encouragement, and ultimately, success. Learn more about relational accountability and how to find it below!

My dad is a very wise man. He is known in our family for having a metaphor for almost every circumstance in life and is always challenging us to a “deeper meaning” through life lessons. In true dad-form, he gave me a ring of cards filled with such “life lessons” as I was headed off to college, knowing I would soon be faced with a new realm of decisions and challenges.

Those cards were invaluable to me during that time, and I often refer back to them for inspiration. As I was going through these cards the other day for some much-needed encouragement and perspective, one card in particular stuck out to me. This card reads:

P + I = V

A simple formula of product + installation = value. No product (or in this case knowledge) has any value unless it gets installed (or put to use). Don’t just live a life gathering more information. Do something with what you know (apply your knowledge) and you will see great value come from it. 

As I thought about what value this formula could bring to the pursuit of FitLiving and achieving our health goals, I reached an ah-ha moment of sorts. We are constantly bombarded with information on how to live a healthier life through magazines, books, and online resources, and are provided the tools to do so – but how many of us actually act on our knowledge and resources?

I believe that in order for you and me to see transformation through healthy living, it requires application of our knowledge of nutrition, fitness, and overall wellness.

But this “application” behavior is easier said than done. Many of us shy away from, or become disengaged, with the application of our knowledge because we rely on ourselves for motivation (and we can be our own worst enemy, sometimes). But I’ve found that when we seek help and support from others, we position ourselves to better reach our goals and create longer-lasting healthy lifestyle changes. That’s why I’ve identified the need for a catalyst in this simple equation. The catalyst I’m talking about, in FitLiving terms, is “relational accountability”.

What is relational accountability and how can it lead to transformation?

Relational accountability is seeking out accountability through a friend, professional, or interest group that will motivate you to continue to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors in your pursuit of FitLiving. And it’s when we begin creating excuses for ourselves that we need this relational accountability the most.

Here is an example of relational accountability seen in my own life. When I became certified as a personal trainer in college, my mom thought she had hit the jackpot. She had access to a fitness professional within her own family. Doesn’t get better than that, right? Through the years, she has become my workout buddy and I know that if I don’t get to the gym, she probably won’t, either. I also know that once we get to the gym, my mom often looks to me for the workout of the day, which motivates me to push myself harder to be able to challenge my mom beyond what she thinks she is capable of. It’s a win-win situation and as a result, we have become relational accountability partners to each other.

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So who do you engage in relational accountability in your pursuit of FitLiving? I believe that just as we need accountability in our workplace, our spiritual life, our marriage, and our relationships – we need it in our desire to make healthier lifestyle choices. Relational accountability can manifest itself in different way to different people. It can be the relationship with your personal trainer, mental health counselor, a friend who has set similar goals, a running group, or your significant other.

The point is to get yourself out there and make your needs known, so that someone can be there to help hold you accountable when you feel like giving up, to motivate you when it gets tough, and to remind you that you are worthy of transformation. 

Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016

Does this post resonate with you and you realize the need for relational accountability, but you’re not sure where to start? Join us for Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016 – a program design with you in mind! 

Jill Conyers and I have teamed up to bring you a comprehensive healthy living guide that will provide you with all of the tools and support you need to give your body, mind and life a healthy jumpstart in 2016. By guiding you to make small realistic changes and create new habits, this program will reshape your body, ignite your confidence and transform the way you think about healthy living. 

As a participant of this 21-day program, you will receive over 40 healthy recipes that can be adapted to almost any dietary needs, workout plans with an exercise index, online accountability group, and tons of freebies designed just for you!

The new year is the time to take control of your health and happiness and unleash the potential to be your best healthy self. Are you in?

>> Learn more and sign up here! >>

[Tweet “Sign up for Healthy Living #Jumpstart2016 for a new you in the new year!”]

What do you think about the idea of relational accountability? Have you found support in your own life in your journey towards healthier living? Share with me in the comment section below!

Don’t forget to linkup with Jill Conyers and I for Fitness Friday! Fitness Friday is a weekly link up where anyone who writes about health and fitness-related topics or is interested in learning more about diet, exercise, nutrition, goal setting (and more) can join in on the fun! You can learn more about Fitness Friday here and link up with your own health-related post below!

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