ACCOUNTABILITY

In most cases, when I hear the word “accountability”, it is in reference to someone being held accountable for their actions by someone else. Webster defines accountability as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions”. The actual definition of the word indicates that accountability begins at home, so to speak. Sure, I am accountable to others for my actions, but my true accountability should begin with ME holding MYSELF accountable. If I truly hold myself accountable to established standards or expectations, I won’t have any problem measuring up to those expectations that others have for me.

Accountability is a key factor in all aspects of my life. I am accountable for my actions to God, to my family, to my friends, to my employer, to my coworkers, to the laws of the land, and the list goes on. Even though I am accountable to all of these, I am also still accountable to ME. I have the responsibility to hold myself accountable to the highest standards possible.

When I decided to fully commit to P90X in August 2008, I was accountable to myself to stick with the program and be dedicated to it for the 90 days. After a few days, when I started to FEEL my health improving, it made it easier to stay committed and to stay accountable. Soon after that, a funny (and very unexpected) thing happened. I started feeling a strong sense of accountability toward those that were close to me, those that were seeing the changes that were happening in me. I knew that if I wanted to see my family and friends get motivated to change their lives, I needed to make sure that I kept my nose to the grindstone and pushed harder EVERY DAY!

During this time, I found a source for great motivation and accountability: The Team Beachbody message boards. There, I was fortunate enough to meet lots of caring folks with inspiring stories. I knew they would be able to push and encourage me as I would them! One day, a friend of mine posted a short, direct statement at the end of his message. He said, “BRING IT in all that you do tomorrow!”. “Bring It” is a term that is synonymous with P90X. Basically, it means to “do your best and forget the rest”. By making that statement, he was encouraging all of us to apply this philosophy in all aspects of our lives. He couldn’t have been more right! Since then, I have tried to keep that thought in mind and to make a conscious effort to put my best foot forward in all that I do. Am I successful every day? Of course not. Has this caused me to be more focused and motivated in my life as a whole? ABSOLUTELY! If I don’t give my best at a task, I feel I have let others and myself down and have squandered an opportunity to improve something or someone.

Since becoming a Team Beachbody Coach near the end of last year, my sense of Accountability has increased with each person I've met, with each customer and Coach I gain. It’s sometimes a little overwhelming, but ALWAYS rewarding! I want to be a positive impact on everyone I meet and that’s the fuel that keeps my fire burning! When I feel that I have made a difference, I feel even more accountable to keep SHARING THE HEALTH! It’s definitely a gift that keeps on giving!