How to set goals and maintain accountability creatively

The new year is here and everyone is setting new and exciting wellness and fitness goals. I wanted to share a few of mine, and also what has helped me maintain accountability over the last few years of running and various other endeavors I have decided were a good idea. Part of my personality is being unafraid to start something...I get really really excited, I research the hell out of it, I plan, outline, make lists, network etc. etc. etc. and get the project done. However, this does not come without a price...I sometimes get really worked up about other things that I am excited about, but I leave them in the back of my mind (like my daily mediation goals...about that, another time....)and have every intention of doing these things. So in order to keep myself honest, I keep books around that I want to read...

Goal 1: Read more books!!! I read a ton, but opening up an app on my phone doesnt always count. I want to underline, and feel the book in my hand, and have at my fingers a good old fashioned reference I can pull upon, or let a friend borrow who may need the information. 

 These books are sitting right next to my couch, my bed, and my coffee table. I have zero excuse to not open them at least a few times a week. I actually do a lot of reading while I am foam rolling after a long run. It's a great way to make sure I foam roll as often as I need too, and get in my reading as well. Brene Brown, Krissy Mohel, Ben Greenfield, Shalane Flanagan, Satchin Panda, Stacy Simms, and DR. Kelly Starrett all have amazing information packed, in easy to read books, that are easy to pick up and put down. Topics range from training for an ultra (if thats your gig), nutrition, fitness, mobility, and empowerment. Super great books, and you can get them by one swipe of your phone on amazon.

Goal 2: Increase my podcast listening. I listen to podcasts a lot, but still find myself getting annoyed at the same country song on the radio, or the obnoxious news on the radio....sorry NPR, I love ya...but...I love Ben Greenfield more. So downloading podcasts is a great way to listen and maintain inspiration all while educating and empowering yourself. This is what is currently in my ever changing library of podcasts

See a theme here? hah!! Workout, wellness, and relaxation!! Couldn't we all use a little more of this? 

Goal 3: Creating my own visual reward system. Something about seeing things checked off, or big gapingly glaring open spaces on a chart motivates the hell out of me. What motivates you? I am a very visual reward driven person...all those years of winning ribbons at horse shows🤣yes, i love ribbons, trophies and medals, its not the object I love, it is the hard work and dedication that those trophies, ribbons and medals represent...i also love sticker charts and lists!! I have this daily run calendar right in front of my bed, so when i wake up I am reminded of the reward I will love to get when i get my butt out of bed in the cold and am able to cross another run or workout day off this chart!!! That’s what works for me.....what works for you? What inspires you to get out there despite wet, cold, dark weather? This run chart gives me a thrill every time I cross another day off... yeah, I know we are only into the 3rd day of the year....but I did something similar last year and it was very effective. 

Goal 4: Really dial in my nutrition. With the help of my awesome coach, and registered dietician Anne L'heureux I was able to get a good start on calculating my macros and hitting specific macros for specific workout days. I did really well logging onto my fitness pal, until race season wrapped up, then the dreaded holidays. I decided to just mindfully enjoy the holidays and then get back on track with tracking my foods. There are many apps out there, but I like my fitness pal for calculating my macros. Instead of just trying to figure it out, I highly suggest working with a registered dietician for finding out your nutrition needs, or working with a holistic nutritionist to help with foods and herbs/supplements specific to your needs. 

Goal 5: My long term goal for the year is to run an ultra marathon and get my Spartan trifecta, but focus on the cross training and strength work instead of burning myself out on just cardio and running. Thinking outside the box and trying new things is so helpful to weight loss and lean muscle goals. The body can get used to the same workout over and over, and plateau, so keep it fresh by thinking outside the box and going for a hike, a snowshoe, a cross fit class, swim, bike, row, ride, whatever it takes to move your body in as many ways as possible. and REST!!!! REST days are as important if not more important than the workouts themselves. Having an accountability partner or friend is invaluable in helping meet your goals. Even just posting something you want to do on facebook is accountability.  Try it!! What are some things that help you find motivation and stay motivated?