If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we can adapt and conquer. In light of the global pandemic, many of us have taken on new responsibilities and realigned our “normal” activities.
Our days of caring for our friends and family are now busier than ever. We run from dropping off groceries to a family in isolation to hopping on another Zoom work call between meal prepping for the kids—just hoping to get everything done.
Come the end of the day, we realize we’ve cared for everyone except ourselves. What should be our number one priority somehow magically finds itself as our last. And that wellness goal we set for ourselves (like more time for meditation) fell to the wayside in the flurry of activities.
Disappointed and discouraged, we decide that tomorrow is another day, and we will do better.
How different would that scenario be if we had someone to hold us accountable? Someone who could reach out and say, “Hey, did you give yourself a half-hour for that online yin yoga class today?” or, “How is your plant-based meal prep going?” Two simple check-in questions that could completely change the trajectory of our wellness goals.
Or perhaps we have set a goal without a clear, realistic or structured way to achieve it. We know exactly what we want, but the path is fuzzy.
Enter, Accountability Partner.
A strong accountability partner holds space for you and regularly checks in on your goal progress. Yes, an app can do that. But nothing keeps you accountable like another caring human being.
The first step in finding an accountability partner is knowing what accountability looks like. Your accountability partner must be someone who embraces accountability within their own lives. You will need someone firm in their own wellness journey before they can truly support yours.
This support partner should not be close to you, like your mother or sister. As an adult, it can be triggering to still hear, “did you eat your greens today?”
So what should you look for in an accountability partner? Let’s dive right in.
A Strong Accountability Partner Will Always Motivate You.
Having someone cheering you on is one of the best parts of having an accountability partner. Knowing someone is rooting for you with your best interests at heart is cause enough to help you succeed! Whether it’s a text congratulating you on making it through a meditation challenge or sending a gentle reminder to take that 5 minutes for stillness—it goes a long way.
They Always Have Your Back.
Sometimes, we end up having a busy day, two or three, where we fall off track with our goals. Having someone check in with you regularly (e.g. connecting for a video chat) and quickly steer you back towards achieving your goals (e.g. chalking out your weekly self-care time) is a game-changer in your wellness journey.
They Always Give You the Straight-up Goods.
We all want to hear lovely things about ourselves, but sometimes we need an honest check-in to realize that we’re straying from our wellness journey and need to get back on track.
If your accountability partner observes that you’ve let your self-care slip down the priority ladder, take it as an opportunity to reset.
They Always Keep You Accountable.
If your accountability partner notices that you haven’t been following your goals, they’ll get real (in a kind, supportive way, of course) and help you get back on the right path.
- Did you skip your core pilates class (again)?
- Drink 23@$# cups of dark roast to get through the day?
- Sit glued to your desk without any mindful breaks from screen time?
- Are any of these goals even resonating with you anymore?
Acknowledging is the first step, and being held accountable is the second.
They Always Help You Stay On Point With Your Goals.
Socializing with friends is a normal part of life (even if it looks a little different these days). Going out and having fun doesn’t mean you need to forgo progress on your wellness journey. A great accountability partner will help you keep your goals on track. Perhaps it’s a quick text check-in partway through the evening, before the tendency to overindulge kicks in (aka, that next glass of wine/tomorrow’s headache).
Knowing someone has your back makes all the difference, especially to begin your next morning off with a strong start!
They Always Cheer You On.
On a wellness journey, we sometimes forget to celebrate our successes. We become so focused on our end goal that we forget to notice the little victories along the way. Having someone recognize and point out your successes is ultra motivating!
Whether you’re waking up 15 minutes earlier to meditate or you began closing down your devices an hour earlier in the evening for an entire week, every small step should be celebrated.
Staying Accountable Means Showing Up for Yourself.
Have you ever started a new diet or exercise regime only to give up after a week or two? This is where a strong accountability partner will help you achieve success. You could be thinking, “Well, all of this sounds great, but where can I find someone like this?”
There are many routes to connecting with an accountability partner and ensuring they are qualified to support you.
With the ever-evolving online world, our options are virtually endless. You can find an accountability coach through forums, social media or websites. Be sure to have an informative 1:1 chat with your potential coach before committing. You want someone who will motivate you and keep you on track, so make sure what they offer aligns with what you are looking for.
If you’ve already started your search for an accountability partner, be sure to check out our new live well offering. Our wellness connector coaches will encourage you to achieve your goals and keep you accountable on your wellness journey.
And we already know, your wellness and all you are, are worth it.
