A Challenge For Accountability

I was deeply moved by all of the positive feedback to last week’s blog on "Spring Training." It seems as though everyone is catching some form of Spring fever…and last week must have hit a nerve. Most expressed a connection to the spirit of the blog’s content, and almost all were drawn towards action in some form or fashion. While inspiration is where it all starts, action is essential to making "IT" happen. Kudos to you and the action you took this week!

One of the most inspirational responses came from a very dear friend, whom I thought, was already living his professional dream. Yet, he was drawn to take his aspirations even further…


“That was exactly what I needed, [He writes.] I’ve been thinking about going
to law school…but was discouraged about the LSAT requirements. I went out
and bought a few LSAT books, and it’s not as bad as I thought. I must confess
I had negative thoughts about my chances of getting accepted into law school. Your blog and Gandhi’s quote have given me inspiration. Now I’m going to put
it all on the line and pursue my dream…”


Now that’s success in action! This was a huge breakthrough and I am so proud of him! Although an incredible pursuit, he’s got a long road ahead of him. He’s taken the first step…inspiration. Now he’s working on his action plan…necessity.

Weight loss and law school…I couldn’t help but to parallel our two challenges. Although the end results are different, I realized that the course that we must take to achieve our goals, is in fact, the same. I couldn’t help but ask myself…what could I do to encourage him to stay the course? How does one maintain focus and stay motivated through one's entire jouney? My answer…ACCOUNTABILITY!!!

It is unusual for most to make commitments to others and not keep them. We extend ourselves to our family members, our children, even our bosses...and we usually follow through with the best of intentions. Yet, we usually find it's okay to break a promise to ourselves and deem it acceptible. Well...It's not! Hold yourself accountable to your goal, maintain your focus, and allow others to help you get to where you want to be!

1. Publish Your Goal
Whether your have a weight loss challenge, a professional quest, or a personal achievement to accomplish…make it known! Make a pledge to yourself, and put it in writing. Place it some place where you can review it every morning, and ask yourself…”What action will I take today towards accomplishing my goal?” Then do it!

2. Surround Yourself With Like-Minded People
Birds of a feather…flock together. Research shows that fostering healthy relationships can help you to not only achieve…but also maintain your goals, regardless of what they are. Don’t be afraid to share your goals, or even to ask family and friends to support you in your efforts…while you do the same for them in return. Remember that you reap what you sow. Sowing good seeds can only help you to achieve great harvest.

3. Find A Mentor
Seek out someone who has already achieved what it is that your trying to accomplish. Not only will they be flattered that you sought them out, but chances are they will be willing to share their trials and tribulations in an effort to help you avoid the same pitfalls. They will be equally as eager to share their successes.

4. Form Your Own Support Group
Find a partner who shares your struggle, and agree to support one another. Since we are talking about weight loss, maybe its a workout partner you need to stay accountable to. If your struggle is with cooking, find someone to do healthy recipe swaps with, and agree to exchange once a week. If you are reading this blog, then it was probably sent to you by someone who really cares about you and has a vested interest in your success. Pay it forward and pass it along to someone who you know may possibly get something out of it. Share the tips and inspirations that you use to achieve your goals.

We all struggle with something. How we react to that struggle can mean the difference between success and failure. Our freedom of choice is our power to succeed. It is my hope that there is something written here every week that will both challenge and inspire you to be the person you were truly meant to be.

That is my prayer for you!

Much Love~