Ahh, the holidays. They bring with them an extra few pounds–10 on average. We’re all in it.

But what I see happen with the naturally lean people in my life is they ride the wave. They are able to paddle out in October, find the crest in November, and move on in to shore by January, wiping their extra pounds off and moving forward. They seem to have an internal accountability navigation system that people who have had weight struggles don’t have.

I find it helpful to imitate the habits of naturally lean people. When I dropped my 85 pounds, it really helped to have a health coach along the way. That gave me the feeling of accountability. I know accountability is important. But sometimes it’s really easy to say things like, “I’m really too busy to weigh (exercise, eat right, sleep right, etc.) right now” and just slip into denial. Don’t I know it.

Let’s talk about that accountability. If I followed you around with a video camera, I bet three things would happen.

1) You would START doing the things you say you need to do.

2) You would STOP doing the things you know you shouldn’t be doing.

3) You would MAKE monumental performance gains and have the best
year of your life.

How is this possible? Through the power of accountability.

The main thing that keeps people from accomplishing their goals is their lack of accountability.  Accountability serves to protect your character, as  well as your credibility. It helps you accomplish your goals. Without accountability, you’re highly vulnerable, easily distracted, and if not corrected, you can wind up paddling out to sea instead of riding the wave.

Think of ways you may add accountability into your life to help meet your goals this year. I have clients who call me and ask to make them accountable when they feel they want some extra backing. There are programs at gyms, apps on phones, people in your life. Feel what’s right for you, and put an accountability plan into place.

Then ride the wave into 2013 and make all your goals come true.