The Power of Public Commitment

Public commitment involves declaring your goals and intentions to others, whether it’s friends, family, colleagues, or a broader social network. By making your goals public, you create a sense of accountability and social pressure that can significantly enhance your motivation and determination.

• Social expectation. When you make a commitment in front of others, you are more likely to follow through because you want to meet the expectations of those who know about your goals.
• Accountability. Public commitment increases accountability, as others can check in on your progress and provide support or encouragement.
• Motivation. Knowing that others are aware of your goals can boost your motivation to stick to your plans and achieve your desired outcomes.

Choose your audience

Decide who you will share your goals with. This could be close friends and family, colleagues, a support group, or even a broader social network through social media.

Example: Sharing your goals with a supportive friend who also has similar health goals can create a mutual accountability partnership.

Be clear and specific

Clearly state what you aim to achieve and the steps you will take to get there. Specific goals are easier to track and provide a clear framework for success.

Example: Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” specify, “I want to lose 10 pounds in the next three months by exercising three times a week and eating a balanced diet.”

Set a timeline

Establish a timeframe for achieving your goals. This creates a sense of urgency and prompts consistent action.

Example: “I will run a 5k race in 12 weeks and will follow a training plan that includes running three times a week.”

Regular updates

Keep your audience informed of your progress. Regular updates maintain accountability and provide opportunities for encouragement and support.

Example: Send a weekly update to your accountability partner or post progress updates on social media.

Seek feedback and support

Invite feedback and support from your audience. Constructive feedback can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.

Example: Ask your friends for healthy recipe ideas or tips for staying motivated during workouts.

Here are some examples of how you can make public commitments for various health and weight loss goals:

1. Healthy eating example. “I commit to eating at least five servings of vegetables each day for the next month. I’ll share my progress and any new recipes I try on social media.”
2. Exercise example. “I will attend a fitness class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the next eight weeks. I’ll post a photo after each class to stay accountable.”
3. Stress management example. “I commit to practising meditation for 10 minutes each morning for the next 30 days. I’ll check in weekly with my friend to share my experiences and progress.”
4. Hydration example. “I will drink at least eight glasses of water each day for the next month. I’ll use a water-tracking app and share my daily intake with my accountability group.”

1. Be honest. Share your true intentions and be honest about your progress, including any setbacks. Transparency builds trust and strengthens your commitment.
2. Choose supportive people. Share your goals with people who will be supportive and encouraging. Avoid those who might be overly critical or unsupportive.
3. Celebrate milestones. Celebrate your achievements and milestones along the way. Sharing these successes can boost your motivation and inspire others.
4. Use multiple platforms. Consider using multiple platforms to make your commitment public. This could include social media, support groups, or personal conversations.
5. Adjust as needed. Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals or strategies if needed. Public commitment is about progress, not perfection.

While public commitment can be highly effective, it can also come with challenges. Here are some common obstacles and how to overcome them:

1. Challenge: Fear of judgement
   • Solution: Choose a supportive and non-judgmental audience. Remember that the goal is to create accountability and support, not to invite criticism.
2. Challenge: Inconsistent updates
   • Solution: Set reminders to provide regular updates. Use a planner, calendar, or app to stay on track with your progress reports.
3. Challenge: Lack of support:
   • Solution: If you don’t receive the support you need from your initial audience, consider expanding your network. Join online support groups or find a new accountability partner.
4. Challenge: Setbacks and disappointments:
   • Solution: Be open about setbacks and use them as learning opportunities. Seek feedback and adjust your plans as needed to stay on track.

To maximise the benefits of public commitment, integrate it into your daily routine. Here’s how:

• Morning routine. Start your day by reviewing your public commitments. Visualise the steps you will take to achieve your goals and set intentions for the day.
• Evening reflection. At the end of each day, reflect on your progress. Share any successes or challenges with your accountability partner or support group.
• Weekly check-ins. Set aside time each week to review your overall progress and update your audience. This regular check-in helps maintain accountability and motivation.
• Celebrate successes. Recognise and celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Sharing these moments can inspire you to keep going and motivate others as well.

Public commitment is a powerful strategy for enhancing accountability, motivation, and social support in your health and weight loss journey.

By sharing your goals with others and regularly updating your progress, you create a strong sense of commitment and external accountability.

Remember to be clear, specific, and honest in your commitments, and choose a supportive audience to share your journey with.

Incorporate public commitment into your daily routine and celebrate your successes along the way. With the right approach, public commitment can help you stay on track, overcome challenges, and achieve your health and weight loss goals.

 

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See our Terms of Service for more information.