Accountability Unicorns
Dreams can be really exciting (and hopefully a little scary) to consider. I don’t think any of us can drive by the Powerball jackpot billboard without imagining, even for a second, what living a life with unfathomable funds would be like (even if we don’t play). Taking that back a notch (or several million notches), the goals and visions for our own probable futures often take a backseat to the extreme fantasies of being a gajillionaire or an NBA superstar or a waist-deep in a bog field scientist (or is that just me?).
Many of us believe goals can be met with the force of sheer willpower. Truth is, our brains have a different agenda that we were not made privy to. Our brains are evolutionarily inclined to keep us at an even keel (oh homeostasis, we thought you only mattered for biology tests). Your noggin really isn’t down with you rocking the boat. Have you ever started a new routine and felt like it was going well for a week or so and then suddenly you found excuses and obstacles and boulders to block your path to success? That was your brain doing its thing.
One critical ingredient of behavior change is support. Numerous philosophies within the field acknowledge the need for connection with others who are doing what you want to see yourself doing. While the brain might beg you to stay home[eostasis], when you have a friend waiting for you to go on a walk or a partner who is eager to improve their own eating habits alongside you or even someone to keep you in check from adopting all the foster dogs (is it just me again?), an accountability buddy can keep you on track, true to your values and vision, and loves watching you succeed.
Starting my own practice has had all the ups and downs I expected. What I didn’t anticipate was that my other friends who are also running their own businesses would take the time to make sure I stay on track with my dreams. Just today, the Accountability Unicorns at Team Sparkle (the most amazing running coaches in all the land) asked important questions, thoughtfully listened, and then insisted I message them when I had accomplished the task I most needed to do. My brain begged me to sit still, but knowing I had made a commitment to them, I forced myself to push through and did what I said I’d do, bringing me closer to my vision for the future.
So next time a neighbor asks you to go for a walk or invites you to yoga class, consider that they might trust you to keep them true to their goals. And when you are ready to build toward your own vision of health and happiness, look around at those who are on (or have taken) a similar journey. I can think of few things more delightful than watching someone succeed.
