Sometimes I associate accountability with guilt. I've always said that I would make a good Catholic because I hate feeling guilty, which leads me to living a pretty true-to-my-word lifestyle. But accountability doesn't need to be a bad thing.
In running, just having a training plan keeps me accountable. I used to post a lot of my running stuff on Facebook for a kind of general accountability. No one was ever going to harp on me if I missed a run, but knowing it was out there in a public space led me to feeling like I had to run, no matter what.
Since joining RunnersConnect, I post less on Facebook because I have a new forum to do so. The benefit being that RC has a bunch of like-minded runners, so I'm not annoying the crap out of everyone. Actually, it's kind of the whole point of RC. Also, having a set plan every week, right there in my face (and printed out and posted on my fridge) means I can't ignore the work I have to do.
I also like to sign up for races to ensure that I'm going to continue to run and do the work. Like yesterday, I registered for the Fargo Marathon on May 21st. Before I've even run my first marathon. Yes, I'm a little crazy. But I think, no - I know, that this will keep my running through the winter.
But what about in every day life?
This little girl.
She's basically my everything. I can't tell her we're going to have ice cream by the lake and back out. Even if it is windy and 55 degrees.
Disappointment is a part of life, but there's no reason why I need to disappoint my daughter by not keeping my word. So even if I'm feeling horrible because I ate something I'm allergic to at lunch, we're still going to the museum like I promised her.
Because my family is my number one priority, and if I can't be accountable and dependable for them, then what else matters?
Haha, I can blame my guilt on my Catholicism? LOL!
ReplyDeleteI used to be motivated to run because of my boys. Now they are teenagers, and I run for sanity...raising them, especially my oldest, has been challenging.
Ha! I think so! I always used to hear the expression that being Lutheran/Episcopalian/etc was "like being Catholic without the guilt".
DeleteI definitely think that once my daughter is a tween/teen, I will need running to keep my sanity!
I enjoy the accountability of a posted schedule or having a race looming. Otherwise, I am POSITIVE I wouldn't stay on track. And I'm like you regarding family...I hate to disappoint them if it is at all within my power!
ReplyDeleteI am the same way. My cross training isn't scheduled, so I get pretty lax about that. This morning I had to really force myself to get out of bed and get on my bike!
DeleteFunny, I tried Runners Connect and it wasn't for me -- I actually mention my experience in my blog post tomorrow! I gave it a full year, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on signing up for races in advance. Actually, I don't too often because there's just so much I can't control going on in our lives -- husband occasionally traveling for work, dog in heart failure, elderly parents. Yet I've already decided on the 2 halfs I really, really, really want to do next spring.
Having that race goal definitely keeps me accountable!
Interesting! I know it's not for everyone. I can't wait to read your post tomorrow!
DeleteI love having a plan printed out that I get to cross off each day. That definitely keeps me accountable!
ReplyDeleteAre those some of your pictures from your recent family photo shoot? They turned out nice! Your daughter is so cute in those boots - even if you did have to put them up for a little while until she grows into them!
Yes! I think they turned out pretty good, considering what a tough day she was having. Thank you!
DeleteSocial media and my blog definitely help keep me accountable; and so does signing up for races!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is adorable, and I can see why you wouldn't want to disappoint her at that age!
Thank you for linking up!