Chain-ging How We Stay Motivated

I have a small subset of friends spread out around the country who participate in a collective daily email conversation, sharing stories and links and commenting on them throughout the week. It’s an opportunity to stay connected with each other, and we affectionately refer to our virtual hangout as “the chain.” Don’t laugh!  

A few days ago, a chain member discussed his desire to map out a workout regimen with very specific goals in hopes of being held more accountable. The rest of us thought this was a great idea and someone even took the initiative to put together a shared Google doc where we can not only plot our progress, but observe that of our fellow members as well. Yes, it is internet accountability and I find it fascinating. 

Really, diet and exercise are intensely personal. It’s your body and ultimately you decide what to eat and how to work out. Internal motivation is essential if you’re seeking change, but the accountability from others can prove just as vital; especially when that accountability becomes inspiration. Seeing a friend reach a goal or being congratulated for accomplishing one of my own only increases the desire to push harder and reach further. It’s created a community bond around one of humankind’s more isolating activities. 

We’ve become inclined to share even the most inane information about ourselves in our Facebook and Twitter updates, but rarely do we ever divulge the deeply personal. Doing so may make us vulnerable, but vulnerability is an agent of change. It’s a constant reminder of your desire to improve. It’s why I blogged about my New Year’s resolutions. Publicizing what you want to change, whether on Facebook or to a few friends in email, makes it feel more real. It garners support and adds external accountability.

Take some time to honestly assess how far you’ve come on your New Year’s resolution or your most recent goal. If you’ve fallen short of expectation, consider this a much-needed kick in the butt. Pick a platform and publicize it.  Most will show support, and maybe a few will mock. Both will serve as motivation. And truthfully, regardless of the reaction, everyone will be thankful for one less update on your kid’s nap schedule.

Written by Micah Gould, a mildly obsessed Arizona Cardinals fan whose current aspiration is to live in accordance with the “Swanson Pyramid of Greatness.” Follow his journey toward male skin care enlightenment, which he promises will be more successful than a typical Cards season.