Inside Coaching is where we dig into coaching conversations, starting with questions from real women living savvy—my coaching clients, friends and readers. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and send in your questions here.
Over two years ago my friend Kay set out to achieve a goal that many of us have shared ourselves, to lose weight and get fitter. Today’s post is the second in a series of conversations with Kay sharing her story—the highs and the lows—and what she discovered along the way.
In the first post of this series the coaching conversation focused on dreams, goals and commitment.
Today we focus on support and accountability.
Cheers of encouragement keep you moving forward
Jo
When you’re living savvy, it’s very important to have people who celebrate your achievements, challenge you to see your choices clearly, and support you in achieving what you want and need. When you are making life changes, knowing who you can rely on, and who will cheer for you is an important step towards your success.
Kay
In the past when I have lost weight (this has been an ongoing struggle for lots of years) I have either kept my diet a secret from everyone except my husband Serg, or only really said something to my friends after I had been to weigh in. There wasn’t really any ongoing support that I could rely on. No one to cheer me on when things got tough or celebrate something that I achieved.
Trying a different approach with support & accountability
Jo
So, this time, who will support you? What support do you need from them?
Kay
My husband Serg: I have his support at all times already, but being a bloke, and also being someone who has never had to worry about his weight, he alone isn’t enough.
Weight Watchers: I have done weight watchers by myself before and have lost weight, but I need the accountability of standing on the scales in front of someone to keep me motivated. I can justify to myself why I haven’t lost much weight or I’ve had a gain, but if I am paying money to go there each week, I work that bit harder to lose something.
You: I need you to keep doing what you have started. Text me when you are going for a run or walk. Make sure I am exercising. Push me to push myself harder.
My friends: I need mental support. I sometimes need to have a vent (or a cry) about how hard it is to do this. I am open to suggestions about how I can do things better (especially the whole fitness/workout thing). I’d like to be asked on a Monday how my weigh in was and how I’m feeling about it.
Me: I’m the accountable person because ultimately if I don’t do this, no one will do it for me.
What’s next?
Stay tuned for the next installment of Inside Coaching with Kay to find out how she’s going—sign up for updates so you don’t miss a post.
Do you have a coaching question? Ask in the comments or via our living savvy contact form.
Related posts:
- Inside Coaching: When asking ordinary questions unearth extraordinary answers (finale))
- When asking ordinary questions unearths extraordinary answers
- Inside coaching: I don’t have time to live extraordinary, I am too busy keeping up with the ordinary! (Pt 2)
- Inside Coaching: I don’t have time to live extraordinary, I am too busy keeping up with the ordinary!
- 6 more powerful questions for reflection (Part 2)
