The Importance of Accountability
Motivation. We need it in everything we do, but unfortunately, it’s often a hard thing to find.
If you already struggle to motivate yourself to get out of bed and go to class, you probably find it especially hard to find the motivation to exercise.
If I had to give anyone advice on how to be successful, it would be this: Find someone or something that motivates you. As college students, our friends and peers are some of our best motivators.
Find someone who pushes you to do the right thing. Too often, we surround ourselves with the fun crowd — the crowd that everyone likes, and it becomes very easy to lose sight of who we are or who we want to be. Seek out someone who complements you and excels in areas you don't. In turn, you can help them in areas where they’re weaker.
Whether you have different people for different areas of your life, or you simply have that one best friend who helps you through everything, be deliberate in finding someone who can truly motivate you. Even though we’re away from home, many rely on their parents for motivation. However, make sure you are not solely dependent on them, especially because of the distance. Find that one person who helps you make it to class, the person who encourages you to be your best self.
When it comes to the gym, I look for a friend who loves to work out and is stronger than I am (at least in some areas). It’s easy to convince myself that I can just do squats tomorrow instead, so it’s important for me to have someone who pushes me to do the lift today. Likewise, I should push them in certain areas, too. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be better and to never give up on that pursuit.
No one can be the best version of themselves without the help of others. Ask yourself if the people in your life today are motivating you to become a better person. If that’s not the case, maybe it’s time you found someone who will motivate you in the right way.
As always,
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Jack P.
Mark is from Dallas, Texas majoring in industrial design with a marketing minor. If he isn’t in studio, he can either be found at The Rec or at the intramural fields. He is passionate about the outdoors and trying to get people to laugh at his jokes.
As a member of a large family, he loves being in the middle of the action. As an ESTJ, Mark shares personality traits with his favorite TV character, Dwight Schrute.
Mark is always juggling multiple commitments which include involvement with the Catholic Student Organization, whatever intramural sport he can get his hands on, working for the Auburn Rec marketing team, and working on his hair.
Mark peaked his freshman year when he lost big man on campus. It was all downhill from there.
