The next one of Gretchen Rubin’s Four Tendencies that I’m going to discuss is the Obliger tendency. It is the largest tendency so there is a good chance you are an Obliger or know someone who is an Obliger! Obligers meet outer expectations yet struggle to meet inner expectations. Obligers need systems of accountability in order to turn inner expectations into outer expectations which they then can readily meet. Here are several strategies Obligers can use to create systems of accountability to help them get the most out of their training.
Work with a coach
This can be a great strategy for several reasons. One, you have someone monitoring your workouts to make sure you complete each one of them. Two, you have someone counting on you to finish your workouts and waiting for you to provide feedback via TrainingPeaks or another tracking system. Three, you have someone texting or emailing to check in on your progress. Bonus, you paid for this – enough said!
Join a group
A great example of this for Obliger Triathletes is joining a Masters swim program. Swimming first thing in the morning can be tough – you don’t want to get wet and cold, there is no fresh air in the pool room in to you up – but having accountability with a Master swim group is a great way to get in the workout. Plus, you have accountable to your coach and teammates and, again, you paid for this!
Accountability to your future self
Another accountability system is to show accountability to your future self. Think about what your ‘tomorrow self’ would think if you didn’t get in your workout. Think about what your ‘one month for now self’ would think if you missed a few days. Think about what your ‘race day self’ would think if you missed several key workouts. You don’t want to disappoint or let down your ‘race day self’ – completing each training session will help ensure that doesn’t happen!
Display a goal photo
Perhaps this is the beautiful surrounds of your race location (i.e. mountains, lake, beach). Or maybe it is your sweet new bike you cannot wait to ride every day. Or maybe it is the race course.
Display it somewhere that will be see it often and use it as accountability during your training.
Be the coach or volunteer!
This could be for the seasoned athletes who have expertise or real world experience to share with others. If that is you, consider being a coach or a volunteer for a group training program. Having a group counting on you will ensure you make it to every session and give your best effort – each and every time!
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