When I was enrolled in my master’s degree program at Indiana University, one of my favorite courses was the The Growth and Human Development of Children. David Gallahue, PhD, was the professor. He went on to be the Dean of the Physical Education department. Gallahue shared with us that to learn a new sport or skill, three essentials were involved – effective instruction, lots of practice and plenty of encouragement and support.
This important concept can also be transferred into learning any new skill and changing health behavior. As many of you are attempting to change a behavior or learn a new skill, I’d urge you to consider the application of this tip to your situation.
Here’s an example. I’m helping lead a weight loss program at our church beginning this week. We’re using a book by Kara Davis, M.D.. I made a blog entry about her book – Spiritual Secrets to Weight Loss – a few months ago. Right off the bat, Davis writes in her introduction the importance and value of having an accountability partner for people who are entering a behavior change program. She urges us to find a person who will encourage, inspire and motivate us as well as speak a word of correction if necessary.
When wellness coaching clients partner with me, one of the key things they recognize they need most of all is encouragement and accountability from another person.
God clearly encourages us in scripture to rely on others for this type of support. Whether it’s an attempt at losing weight, stopping smoking or changing some other behavior, consider asking someone to stand along side of you as you take that journey!
Questions to Consider:
Are you attempting to make behavior changes on your own, without the encouragement and support of another person? If so, who might you ask to support you along the way?
Scriptures Related to Accountability, Support & Encouragement:
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
Related Resources:
Article – Life, Spirituality and Your Health – It’s About the Relationship
