By Don Gilbert
There’s an old African Proverb that says, “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
But what if you aren’t headed in the same direction as everyone else. An often unforeseen problem with making a healthy lifestyle change, like eating better, is the degree to which it involves other people in your life. A decision like eating clean or cutting sugar can’t be made in a vacuum especially if you are in a relationship or cook for a family. Yes, different diets can exist under the same roof, but can they coexist successfully?
Accountability partners are the secret to success. Ambitions can be hard to achieve alone, but when you involve others the likelihood of long-term success increases. The University of Scranton found that interpersonal strategies like having someone to check in with increased the chances of keeping New year’s resolution for over six months.
What’s an accountability partner, you ask?
An accountability partner is someone who will hold you to your commitment. They’ll keep you responsible for the goals you said you want to accomplish and when you plan to have them done.
At the same time, they’ll support you through the process by checking in on you and encouraging you to keep going when you feel like quitting. The keyword is “partnership.” They’re there for you, and you’re there for them!
If you’re scratching your head thinking about who would make the best accountability partner look no further than your own home. Often the best accountability partner is someone you spend a lot of time with and in our case a lot of meals with as well. Accountability partners check in with you often to make sure you are on track; this could be your nutrition coach or loved one. Be clear about what you expect from each other. Are you looking for support, guidance or someone to stick with you.?
Try to get family, friends and even co-workers involved in your next goals; the accountability from those you love might be the difference between success and failure. For example, did you know that You don’t have to be a member of the gym to join our upcoming 28 Day Nutrition challenge or seek other nutrition services? All you need to do is book a Nutrition Intro at www.crossfitcypher.com/nut. A lot has been written about the power of accountability partners and groups, but ultimately if you want to change something, it begins with you. An accountability partner may help you stick with something in the short term, but in the long term, it all comes from within.
The next 28 Day Nutrition Challenge Begins May 19th. visit www.crossfitcypher.com/nut to find out more.
