When you’re doing well with something, don’t you want to brag? When things aren’t going well, we tend not to mention anything about it. This works the same for our journey to better health. This is why accountability is so important.
Many feel that being accountable to someone is the most important thing they can do. Going to a meeting and being weighed works for many, but it can also turn into something we just do that doesn’t really affect the choices we make each day.
How do we celebrate after a loss? Do we give up after a gain? When we look back at how we handled our choices, did the weight that was gained or lost seem to help on the journey?
The most important accountability is to yourself. You know when you haven’t done well. You know when you’ve made the right choices. You’re the one who knows how your health changed. Our brains need to be convinced that we’re making the right choices. If we’re accountable to ourselves, we’ll make better choices.
The first thing we need to do is be honest with ourselves and take stock in where we are, right now. We won’t be able to see progress if we don’t know where we’ve been.
Next, we need to make a plan for positive change. Finding ways to mark when we’ve followed that plan is a great way to hold ourselves accountable. Taking charge of our plan and not letting others try to run it will benefit us in the end.
When we own our progress, we see what the benefits of better health are. Don’t find yourself in the rut of going through the motions because you think that’s what’s expected of you. Rather, take control and make the best choices possible for each and every day. Hold yourself accountable for your progress, and celebrate all that you’ve accomplished.
Carol Holtz
Virtual Programming Administrator
Online Facilitator and Board Member
By Sylvia Duncan May 10, 2022
Yes, you are right Barb . To be accountable to ourselves is a major challenge. Sometimes when I journal my food intake and amount of exercise I want to either omit something or add a better spin on the days.
Thank you for the reminder to face the facts.I always enjoy your columns.
By Wanda Jewett May 10, 2022
Whoops! I knew Carol wrote this and replied to Barb. So sorry! Now that I’ve looked at it again I think Barb wrote it. So….who wrote it and why am I confused?
By TOPS Club May 12, 2022
The author of this particular post is Carol. It’s a guest post on Barb’s blog.
By Wanda Jewett May 10, 2022
Thanks, Barb! I have occasionally fallen into the trap of patting myself on the back just for showing up and weighing in…..not really impacted by whether each weigh-in showed a gain or loss. Well now I am back on track; exercising some every day, journaling my food, and reading my TOPS magazine thoroughly every month. My motivation is up and I am now expecting good results. When the results are not what I want I will be able to see why instead of just shrugging off small gains. Those small gains add up!
By Maria DeSanto May 10, 2022
Hi Carol! Found out I had Type II Diabetes in 2001. It has taken me until 4-15-2022 to get serious about my A1C and Blood Sugars. My new doctor is holding me accountable for my readings. Never liked pricking my fingers. I have have the FreeStyleLibre 2 monitor which work with a sensor you change every 14 days. I used to count calories. Now I watch my Carbs and check my BS 3-4 times a day. I have lost 14 lbs during this time.I have lost 7 weeks in a row. I’m making better choices and now am accountable to myself. I’m 64 years young and if I can do it anybody can do it.
By ruth May 10, 2022
What a great change for you! Keep up the good worn Maria
By Karen Tinlin May 9, 2022
That sure hits the spot Carol. To thine own self be true!
By Gina Brueske May 9, 2022
Thanks Carol. Good advice
By GORDON WHITE May 9, 2022
Hi Carol I sure needed that accountability lesson thank you very much I’m gonna put it to good use.