I was checking out facebook the other night and I came across a comment from another business owner saying she wanted to get back into exercising. I wrote back suggesting we become accountability buddies as I have been struggling with getting jogging back into my routine.
As soon as I sent it, I regretted it as I had now put it out there; it was no longer a secret that I hadn’t managed to keep up with exercising and even worse, if I didn’t take the next step then I would have to admit I hadn’t succeeded.
Then the excuses started as to why I shouldn’t have done this…
‘I have 3 early morning starts this week how will I get the work done for both businesses and go for a jog…’ blah blah blah
But isn’t that what having an accountability buddy is all about?
Making the commitment in our heads is one thing but turning it into an action and a habit is another.
Whether building a new habit or reintroducing a habit:
- Set your goal; remember why you are doing this. Does it align with your core values or vision?
- Break your goal down into manageable chunks
- Start simple; don’t make it too complicated or unachievable, build up to your main goal
- Consider getting an accountability buddy or coach
- Be consistent; try making it the same time every day. Look at your existing schedule and build the new habit into it.
- Give yourself permission to make mistakes; don’t get mad with yourself if you miss a day – it’s a process
- Remember, it can take months to set a new habit – don’t try and create lots of new habits at once, you could be setting yourself up for failure.
Have you worked through a process like this? It’s powerful.
My core values are built around health, happiness and family.
Without my health it’s challenging to enjoy life or be there for others. Remembering this helps me stick to the goal.
Signing off now and putting on my running shoes
Don’t delay, start today
Sara
