The importance of goal setting and accountability

It has been bloody ages since I've posted, I unfortunately have been way to busy with work.
My fitness and diet has suffered and it's a long road back.

In saying that I think it's time I wrote on two very important topics.

Goal setting and accountability.

Nearly everyone that knows anything about fitness can tell you the importance of goal setting.
Without a goal you are simply adrift at sea, going with the will of the ocean currents, when you set a goal you are instantly plotting a course.

Like all things, usually when you first set a goal or plot a course your motivation and energy levels are quite high, but at some point on the journey your motivation is going to flag and you'll be thinking "Are we there yet?"

As that motivation flags you start to slow your pace or get distracted along the way, what could be better than stopping to have a coke and a doughnut on that long journey?

Well that's where accountability comes in.

If you set a goal, with a timeframe and plan you will likely get a good way along the track before you detour.
But if you have a goal, with a timeframe, plan and accountability, you're much more likely to reach the goal.

Take for instance travelling a remote desert track, you have a goal or destination in mind at the end, your journey management is your accountability. You set out each day and let someone know where you're at, the days travel plan and the next check-in point.

If you miss that check-in then that someone will check up on you.

Now let's put that in fitness terms.

1. I want to lose 10kg (goal) by my birthday (timeframe)
2. I will do it by diet and exercise (plan)
3. My accountability will be posting weekly updates, a weekly weigh in or perhaps a weekly discussion.
4. I will rely on my friends / family to be honest and tell me if I am making progress or if I am falling away from the plan.

Setting all of these things in motion, means that you are far more likely to succeed at your goal.
If you have a goal and a plan, you might get there, but you will be far more conscious to do it.
If you have a goal, a plan and accountability you can have a normal life and slip up occasionally but still make progress because you have that accountability support to help you keep on track and not derail to badly.

If you want to succeed you really do need all three.
Goal, Plan, Accountability.

Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of hard work, sweat and tears along the journey, but locking in all three of those things means that the sweat and hard work is noticed, the tears will get you support and in the end, YOU will achieve your goal.

So with all of that in mind, let's go do this.
I've got goals, you've got goals, make it happen.