“I need accountability.” So many of my clients come to me with this statement. But what is it they are really looking for? Are they hoping for someone to check in with? Do they want someone to confess to when they mess up? What does ‘accountability’ mean to you, and is it what you really need? 

Do you really need accountability?

‘Accountability’ has become one of the latest buzzwords. I see it in health and fitness spaces where I teach, I see it in business groups, and I even see it in some mom groups. Lately, it seems like ‘accountability’ is tossed around so much as the new cool thing, but I wonder if anyone really knows what it means and how it serves them.

The dictionary definition is “an obligation or a willingness to accept responsibility, or to account for one's actions.” 

If we start there, with ‘a willingness to accept responsibility for your actions,’ I feel like we've been told that since we were little kids. Grown-ups would always tell us to take responsibility for our actions. We all know that it's important. We all know that it’s a big part of our success in life. Right? You don’t study because you want to hang out with friends instead, you don’t do well on the test. It’s a consequence. 

So ‘accountability’ is so much more than a check in. 

And it’s not even a confession. 

‘Accountability’ is about delivering on a commitment. 

Your commitment to you

You make a commitment to yourself to get healthier, and you deliver on in the way you show up. Not once, not occasionally, but by daily, continuous action doing the small habits that will lead to a healthier you. 

When we don’t do what we are supposed to do to fulfill our commitment, we feel frustrated and disappointed. We beat ourselves up. 

Why didn't we do it, though? 

Is it really because you're not taking responsibility for your actions? Most of the people and the women I work with, including you, are highly accountable to themselves. That's why they're so successful. They're running companies. They are doctors, nurses, and CEO’s. They are mothers who have multiple kids, and they drive them to school and activities and keep all the balls in the air. Those people are very accountable. 

So what is really keeping you from achieving your fitness goals?

❌You don't need accountability. 

✔ You need direction. 

✔ You need implementation advice. 

✔ You need to know the “how” and not just the “what.”

So before you go searching for an accountability partner, which I'm happy to be that for you if that's what you'd like, figure out what the problem really is because you can't solve a problem until you know it exists. 

The first step is to recognize where you're failing. And once you realize where you're failing, then you can start to improve and change what's happening there. 

As a coach, this is the piece that lights me up in my client work. I love dissecting and trying to figure out the root of the problem. This is how I am able to guarantee results with my Selfcare for Female Leaders program. The symptoms are easy to see. Where's the root? Do you need an accountability partner? Or is there a different problem? What is the obstacle that's preventing you from being healthier? Once you know the true answer to that (and I’ll give you a hint, it’s probably not a lack of willingness to take responsibility), you can work to overcome that block and reach your goals. 

If you need some help figuring that out, please reach out to me. Schedule a call with me so we can find the root of your problem and get you feeling healthier and looking awesome.