Part two: Accountability

Before I go further I need to talk about accountability and how it kept me focused.

If you are anything like me, you like to hide things or behaviors that are no bueno. Such as downplaying how much you drink or eat, how much you exercise or what sets you off course to a binge or not working out. These little secrets can keep you from RESULTS. Afterall, we are doing this for results, aren’t we?

When I started this adventure on March 22, 2021 I was blessed to be teamed with a trainer, Will King, who turned out to be my human truth serum. On our first meeting DK, (I refer to him as Dr. King) emphasized a transparent fitness partnership. We discussed my goals and that to achieve them I would need to log everything I put into my mouth. That way, if my goals were not getting met, DK could analyze why. OMG!! How was I going to hide all my secrets? Did I trust him with this confidential information? Would I be judged or shamed if I did tell the truth? It is very scary to be completely honest.

On my first day I left the gym I had already planned what would be included in my final cheat day, (French dip with curly fries, horseradish sauce, plenty of vodka tonics and some sugar coated orange slice candies). Of course I would do that on the downlow and not log this “last meal”. But of course, I felt guilty and had to tell DK. I couldn’t even look at him and lie. He thanked me for telling the truth. Now when I lie to him it is twice as bad. 1-He can tell when I am lying, 2-I have to fess up that I lied and then 3-I have to tell the truth. Mis well just tell the truth from the start and skip the first 2 steps!! LOL

Even with all the truth around me I still was not ready to completely commit. My desire to keep my secrets took over and I rationalized that withholding the truth was NOT really lying. I knew if I worked out consistently and I continued to lose, DK would not need to look at my logs, then I could cheat and he would not ask. From March to end of May, (a week past my 60th birthday, which was horrific) I consistently lost because I 1-had a lot to lose 2-I basically gave up junk food and 3-I worked out almost every day, but at that point I still enjoyed my nightly vodka. Even though he did not ask or look at my logs and I technically did not lie I felt guilty because I knew that withholding the truth is deceitful and it was getting in the way of my results.

So in the name of results, starting June 1, I gave up alcohol, cheat days and got serious. I did not waiver from the plan until September 22 when I hit 128. I started working out twice a day, logged EVERYTHING and got in the ‘cut” groove. I will explain the “cut” later. Now I am completely and absolutely honest. I have planned cheat days that I tell DK beforehand. For example, I took Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine's Day off and told him that I would eat and drink completely clean from February 15-March 17th, St Patrick’s Day…and I have. Further, I told him he needs to look at my logs every Tuesday and Friday (our session days) so I will not withhold the truth and I am 100% honest. It feels so good to have no secrets or feel guilty. I have also found that I emotionally grow exponentially during these times. If I ever screw up (which is rare, but I am human), I tell him right away to get back on track. This prevents the secret from festering and turning into a binge. Have you ever been on a plan and took one day off that turned into a month or a year? I have!!!

I am super blessed to have found a accountability coach that I can trust, be honest with and knows just what to do to get me back on track. I would not be where I am without Will King and our fitness partnership.