New Year's Resolutions: Accountability
Every January we see lots of people trying to keep themselves accountable to their New Year's Resolutions. In every gym across the country we see those individuals who have received gym memberships from well meaning family members - gritting their teeth and pretending to work on their health and fitness goals, which as we all know tend to benumber one on most people's NY resolutions list, closely followed by make more money and work less hours!! Why do I say "pretend"? The answer is quite a simple one - if "you" don't want to change your habits, then "you" won't. Nor will "you" enjoy the process - which as we all know is essential if we are to achieve many of our goals, health wise or not. Gym memberships purchased by anyone other than yourself will see you start off well, but by the end of February (and usually much sooner) attendance has dropped off and the excuses begin.
If you purchase your own gym membership you will keep yourself accountable - after all, they're not cheap, and what a waste of money if you don't go. Put it like this, if you have that kind of money to waste - you can send it my way :-)
But keeping yourself accountable isn't just about how much money you spend on certain items and whether or not you gain the full benefit from spending it. But everything you say and do. If you promise to someone something, do you ensure you deliver what you say and by when? Do you spend time with your family (as in you give them the attention they need and deserve?), do you spend time working on your dreams and goals or do you have a list of ready made excuses lined up? Every time you say you will do something and then fail to deliver (either to yourself or to others) you are not holding yourself accountable for your actions. And if you want to improve your lot in life, it is important that you do in fact hold yourself accountable.
January 18, 2009 at 19:54
Reader Comments (1)
Hellen