I ate almost 0 processed sugar for 110 days because I wrote about it on this blog. When I was tempted to eat something sugary I declined because it would be embarrassing to fail in front of an audience. So thank you, Dear reader, for holding me accountable. In so doing I may have learned the strongest hack for accountability.
Why is the need to prove to myself to an audience of (mostly) strangers so strong?
Had I kept the goal to myself my mission would have likely succumbed to Halloween candy or Christmas cookies.
Is the embarrassment of public failure stronger than the merits of living a healthy lifestyle? There has to be a better way, right?
What other types of accountability can we use to improve our fitness?
Put your money where your mouth is
Financial accountability is the motivation over at Healthywage.com. You’re betting the “house” you can lose a certain amount of weight over a 6+ month period.
I poked around the site for a few minutes. If I bet $500 a month for 6 months ($3000) that I can lose 20 lbs (10% of my current weight) I can win…
$300!
But if I lose 19.9 I lose $3000; That’s playing to not lose.
And with $3000 on the line how can I trust their scales?
Any Other Ideas?
Accountability is arguably the biggest reason for hiring a Trainer. Research shows that:
- Having a goal alone suggests 10% follow through.
- Planning how to accomplish the goal improves us to 50% follow through.
- Committing to the goal skyrockets you to 90%.
Commitment makes it happen. Numbers don’t lie.
So get a goal.
Tell a friend, your mailing list, your spouse, your (ahem) Trainer.
Your team can add encouragement, discipline, a healthy fear of failure, experience, and their expertise.
If they don’t then get a new team.
Make a plan.
Set appointments.
Track relevant data.
Keep at it.
And success is (eventually) yours.
I’ll bet on that.