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.
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.
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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.
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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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27 Responses
I love reading your blog for the inspiration! At the same time I feel guilt because I know I’m more capable than the effort I’ve been putting into lately. I meed to start holding myself more accountable. It’s so hard to live in a rural idea where the nearest gym is 30 minutes away. I miss college because there was a fitness workout facility right on campus!
Thank you for your comment, Chelsea! It can be hard to be motivated, especially when you don’t have close access to a gym. But, there are so many resources online and fitness/health programs to join when you need a little extra push 🙂
I know that having a workout buddy always keeps me accountable. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn’t workout with others so that I can have a consistent workout buddy. My husband and I have Saturday gym dates as a way to push ourselves at least once a week!
That’s great, Hilary! Sometimes just having a significant other who shares common health goals can be motivation, too!
I totally agree – my friend and I are workout buddies and it makes it much easier to keep going. Encouragement is vital and key to success!
I totally agree. I love hearing how you stay motivated, Autumn!
I really want to try this guide. I will share with my family and friends because we all need to work our accountability.
We would love for you to join us for Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016!
I love this post and it can be said for so much more than fitness alone (although that is probably the area that I need help the most) . Thank you for sharing!
Yes, I agree. Healthy living is so much more than just fitness and it helps to have accountability in all areas!
Awesome post Carly. And, timely. It hits really close to home and has me thinking. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thanks, Jill! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
That’s an awesome symbiotic relationship with your mom and workouts!
Thanks, Cassi! It really is so much fun.
OMG I love this!! Sent it to several of my clients.
Thanks for sharing the post, Jessica and glad you enjoyed it!
I totally agree with this post! My husband and I hold each other accountable for our health goals, and it works really well for us! I recommend to anyone who wants to improve in health or anything else.
I love hearing how you and your husband hold each other accountable. That’s great!
This is a lovely informative post, and I loved hearing about your relationship with your mother too!
Thank you, Lottie!
I love your equation of applying your knowledge to transform yourself instead of continuing to gather knowledge and not use it. Great analogy…sounds like a great jumpstart too.
Thanks, Kim! I have been thinking about this a lot since it can be applied to more than just living a healthy lifestyle. At a certain point, you just have to do it!
Thanks so much for sharing this. To be honest I’m so glad I stumbled across post today because I had that moment earlier today when I realized I needed to make a change and that it was different. This moment also came for me 4 years ago when I got my life together and started making huge changes to my lifestyle and lost 25lbs. Sadly a mix of life events and depression I lost my way but now am ready to get back to the best version of myself.
Hi Dia! Thank you for your comment and sharing this with me. I hope I was able to offer you some motivation and encouragement in gearing back up to live a healthy lifestyle. You know you can do it, because you’ve done it before! We would love for you to join us for Healthy Living Jumpstart 2016 🙂
Yes, I get that. That’s why they often say if you really want to achieve something you share it with everyone you encounter so they can help keep you accountable – totally makes sense.
That’s a great way of putting it, Rocio! Once it’s out in the open, it is much easier to follow through with.
Accountability is huge, especially when it comes to following a healthy lifestyle. I think having someone to be accountable to is a great idea.