‍10 Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable

We all know that 'eating healthy‘ is import in order to stay healthy. Of course it is, right? We'd all probably say the same thing with regard to exercise too. No brainer! So why is it so hard? Why do we say that eating right, and exercise is hard? The sad truth? If it was easy, then more people than not, would be doing it. We know that most of us fall short in one or both of these areas.

Why do we prioritize other things when good nutrition and some exercise could literally save our lives in some cases? Why do we only get serious about it when we’ve been slapped in the face with some form of chronic illness, or even just the realisation that we can't keep up because energy is low, or breath is short when it shouldn't be?

_{In my experience working with hundreds of individuals at Umi Fitness, the key is accountability. When we have someone else counting on us, we're more likely to show up. To avoid disappointing them or feeling embarrassed. A little like visiting the principals office! We do all this, knowing that we're not as good at showing up for ourselves as we are for others.}

We have a tendency (all of us - including me!) to look for reasons to not do something. The aggressive pursuit of comfort. It's called excuses: why we can't follow through on our nutrition strategy, or why we have to skip the gym today. We use promises-to-self, "... I'll try again tomorrow—or better yet, to start fresh on Monday" to give ourselves the out. But in reality, we end up checking off every time we didn't show up for ourselves. Another series of failures. In time, we begin to see ourselves as incapable, inept and weak-minded. 

Relying on others to hold us accountable is OK—in the short term. When we’re just getting started, we need that assistance. We need that encouragement and support while we develop good habits. At Umi Fitness, we have a framework of accountability to help those wanting to get started.

- We send reminders

- We check in

- We notice if you haven't workout out for more than a few days

- We acknowledge you every time you walk through the door

- We high-five and fist-bump

- We follow up and we celebrate with you each time you reach a class attendance milestone.

We also work a hard to maintain an inclusive and 100% support and forward focused gym community. Lots of gyms and programs talk about 'community'. But the test o of a real tribe is whether they show up for you when you're in pinch. When one of us hits snag - the rest are there to help in the blink of an eye! Whether that be flood recovery, charity fund raising, or some other challenge. Those gym buddies who work out with you regularly will notice when you haven't shown. They cqn't help themselves! They'll be asking questions of us and they often take matters into their own hands by starting their own campaign or project to get back into the gym and working out! How could you disappoint anyone who is that motivated to see you succeed. That's external accountability. And that's absolutely the best way to start if you struggle in this area.

Because in truth - and this hurts a little bit - no matter how much we work to keep you accountable, long term success and accountability is all on your shoulders. Ultimately, you need to show up under your own steam! You will need to be invested in your own success, and you will need to switch over to a Growth Mindset if you haven't already done this.

So how do we stop letting ourselves down and create a safety net for reaching our goals? Here are 10 tips for holding yourself accountable to your goals: 

1. Set Clear, Specific Goals

• Why: Knowing exactly what you want to achieve helps create a sense of purpose.
• How: Work with your coach to set short-term and long-term goals (e.g., improve strength, master a skill, or hit a specific time in a workout). Break them down into smaller, actionable steps.

2. Track Your Progress

• Why: Tracking helps you see where you’ve improved and where you need to adjust.
• How: Keep a workout journal or use an app to log your performance, such as weights lifted, times, or number of reps. Compare over time to celebrate progress.

3. Embrace Consistency Over Perfection

• Why: Consistency builds habits that lead to improvement.
• How: Commit to showing up even on days when motivation is low. Progress comes from steady effort, not perfection.

4. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

• Why: A growth mindset thrives when you value learning and effort over the immediate results.
• How: Celebrate small victories like perfecting a movement or improving your form, instead of only looking for quick results (e.g., lifting heavier weights).

5. Ask for Feedback

• Why: Coaches provide expert advice that can help you refine your technique and improve faster.
• How: Regularly ask for feedback from your coach and peers on your form and performance, and use it to make adjustments.

6. Develop a Support System

• Why: The community at the gym is an essential source of motivation, accountability, and encouragement.
• How: Get to know your fellow gym members. Encourage others, and let them encourage you. Having a workout buddy or group can make you feel more accountable.

Go alone if you want to go fast - go together if you want to go far!

7. Establish a Routine

• Why: Building a regular habit increases your chances of success.
• How: Make the gym a part of your daily or weekly routine. Pick consistent times to train, and treat those sessions as non-negotiable appointments.

8. Shift Your Mindset from Fixed to Growth

• Why: Adopting a growth mindset helps you overcome obstacles and challenges without getting discouraged.
• How: Focus on learning and improving rather than judging yourself by where you start. When you fail, view it as an opportunity to grow, not a setback.

9. Celebrate Milestones

• Why: Acknowledging achievements reinforces a positive attitude and encourages continued effort.
• How: Take time to celebrate small wins—whether it's improving your time, lifting a heavier weight, or mastering a new skill. It helps build confidence and motivation.

10. Be Patient and Compassionate with Yourself

• Why: Progress in the gym takes time, and being kind to yourself is essential to maintaining motivation.
• How: Recognize that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. When you face challenges or don’t meet your goals immediately, approach yourself with patience and self-compassion, knowing that improvement is a process.

By combining these strategies, you can develop the accountability and growth mindset needed to thrive in any gym, where a supportive community and knowledgeable coaches can help you reach your goals.

There are many other ways to keep yourself accountable, so find what works for you. Something that worked once might not work forever—switch things up often to stay excited and motivated about your success. 

If you need help getting started on your health and fitness path, feel free to contact us! We would love to set up a No-Sweat Intro with you where we talk about you, your current lifestyle and your goals, and help you make a plan of action. Book one here! [LINK] 

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