Still Undertall (And Finding Accountability)

It’s been a while since I’ve made time to write a blog. I’ve been busy with course work (I’m working on my Mastery TCM certification), building my coaching practice, and keeping up with several online group activities. I’ve pushed writing to the back of the line and I’ve missed it.

So today, I decided to write about the upcoming 5% Weight Loss Spring Challenge. I’ve been participating in these 5% challenges (including the in-between challenges) since the 2015 Spring Challenge. Here I am, 4 years later, awaiting the big day once again.

This in-between challenge (some teams stay together for those 4-6 weeks between official challenges for the accountability) is the first challenge in some time that I’ve actually lost the weight to reach a 2.5% goal. The in-between challenge is usually about 4 weeks long so the goal is halved. I like the in-between challenges because I need the accountability. In case you’re wondering, accountability is crucial when trying to reach any type of goal.

I’m a huge fan of accountability and I have accountability partners for various goals. Accountability keeps you honest and realistic. Having an accountability partner means that someone striving for a similar goal has your back; having an accountability partner means you have someone else’s back. Any goal worth reaching requires hard work, and there are always road blocks on your path. An accountability partner is your confessor, cheerleader, and sometimes your instructor; most of all your accountability partner is often just like you. Your partner comes up against the same road blocks you do and you are there for each other to better navigate the road. Together you can succeed, even if the percentages aren’t always 100% for each of you. No matter your journey there are always lessons to learn. How well you learn those lessons determines how well you will succeed in other goals, even if that other goal is another 2.5% or 5% challenge.

I’ve been successful this time because I’ve done the “deep dive” work that helped me change my mindset. I’ve been fortunate to have other coaches as accountability partners. These coaches helped me find and own my limiting beliefs, owning them was the first step in changing them, and changing them is easier to do than I ever imagined. It’s a well-know fact among health and wellness practitioners that “coaches need coaches”. An accountability partner is your coach (regardless if that partner is “officially” a coach). When we grow, we help others grow; it’s a beautiful synergy!

If your goal is to lose 5% of your current body weight, joining the Spring Challenge, or any other weight loss challenge available here on SparkPeople, is the way for you to be part of a Team with similar goals. Become familiar with your team mates, and you’ll have your accountability partner(s). An individual or a team can partner you to a win, you don’t need to do it alone! If you feel better working with a personal coach or a trainer, they’re easy to find. Weight loss and physical fitness do not have to be solitary activities. Join a team or reach out to someone else on your path and you will actually enjoy your journey.