Why Supportive Accountability?

Case Study: Miguel

Miguel, a second-year college student, decides to set a goal to go to the gym three days a week for a month. He believes that this routine will help him stay fit and manage stress. Miguel is enthusiastic at the start and feels confident about achieving this goal. He thinks to himself, “I can do this!”

Weekly Progress

Week 1: Miguel goes to the gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, sticking to his plan. He feels energized, motivated, and finds it a good way to relieve class-related stress.

Week 2: With big assignments and an unexpected quiz, Miguel gets to the gym only once. He feels discouraged, knowing he could have gone again and studied on the treadmill. He tells himself, “I’ll try again next week.”

Week 3: Determined to get back on track, Miguel plans his gym visits. However, the weather has gotten cold and wet, and he opts to sleep in instead of going to the gym on two different mornings. He ends up missing the entire week at the gym. Miguel starts to doubt his ability to keep up with the goal and feels frustrated. He wonders how the weather can have such an impact on his mood.

Week 4: Feeling annoyed with himself, Miguel attempts to return to the gym. He manages two visits but struggles with decreased energy and motivation. The missed workouts in the previous weeks weigh on his mind, causing a sense of failure.

End of Month Reflection

At the end of the month, Miguel reflects on the goal. He realizes that while he didn’t meet the target every week, he did make an effort and had some successful gym days. Miguel realizes that he needs a little help in reaching his goal of going to the gym a few times a week – he realizes, too, that when he doesn’t have someone checking in on him, he feels like he can get away with not working out. As he’s thinking about this, his peer mentor from his school, José, reaches out to see how he’s doing. Miguel decides to tell him what’s going on.

The Conversation with Jose

José: “Hey Miguel, how’s it going? I wanted to check in and see how you’re doing with your classes and everything.”

Miguel: “Hi José, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, honestly. I set this goal to go to the gym three times a week, but I’m struggling to stick to it.”

José: “Ah, I see. Setting goals like that can be tough, especially with a busy college schedule. What seems to be the main challenge?”

Miguel: “Well, the first week was great, but then assignments piled up, and the weather’s been terrible lately. I just lost my momentum and started feeling down about it.”

José: “That sounds really tough, Miguel. You know, it’s completely normal to have ups and downs with goals like this. The important thing is that you’re trying and you want to keep improving.”

Miguel: “Thanks, José. I just feel like if I don’t have someone to check in on me, I let things slide. I need some accountability, you know?”

José: “I get that. How about this – would it help if I checked in with you each week? We could talk about your gym visits and any challenges you’re facing. Maybe having someone to report back to will give you that extra push.”

Miguel: “That would be amazing, José. I think having someone to hold me accountable would really help me stay on track.”

José: “Consider it done! And remember, it’s okay to adjust your goals if you need to. Maybe on really busy weeks, aim for two gym sessions instead of three. It’s all about balance and not being too hard on yourself.”

Miguel: “I appreciate that, José. And you’re right about adjusting goals. I’ll try to remember that it’s okay to be flexible.”

José: “Exactly! And I’ll be here to support you. Let’s touch base next week and see how you’re doing. You’ve got this, Miguel!”

Miguel: “Thanks, José. I’m feeling more optimistic about this already. Talk to you next week!”

Reflective Follow-Up

The following week, as the mornings grew colder, Miguel found himself struggling to leave the warmth of his bed. Despite setting multiple alarms, the chilly weather and cozy blankets proved too tempting, and he missed most of his gym sessions. He felt a mix of disappointment and lethargy, questioning his own commitment. When Miguel and José caught up the next week, José gently inquired, “So, how did the gym go? Did you find it challenging to stick to your plan?”

Miguel hesitated before admitting, “Honestly, José, I barely went. It’s been so cold in the mornings, and I just couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed.”

José responded with understanding, “I can imagine how tough that must be, especially during these cold mornings. How does it feel telling me this? Saying out loud that the cold kept you from your gym routine?”

Miguel sighed, “It feels bad, José. Saying it out loud makes it seem like a poor excuse, and I’m disappointed in myself. I had the intention, but I just didn’t follow through.”

José nodded empathetically, “It’s okay to feel that way, Miguel. Acknowledging how you feel is a big step. Remember, everyone faces setbacks. The key is not to be too hard on yourself and to think of ways to overcome these challenges. Maybe we can brainstorm some strategies together?”

Miguel felt a sense of relief washing over him. José’s empathy and offer to help made him feel supported and less alone in his struggle.

Encouraged by their brainstorming session, Miguel tackled the following week with renewed determination. He and José had come up with practical strategies to overcome the cold mornings, like setting his gym clothes next to a heater and preparing a warm, energizing breakfast for after his workout. These small changes made a significant difference. Miguel managed to go to the gym three times that week, just as he had planned. When he shared this achievement with José, his mentor’s response was filled with genuine pride and encouragement. “That’s fantastic, Miguel! I’m really proud of how you’ve turned things around. It’s all about finding what works for you and sticking with it. Your commitment is really paying off!” Miguel felt a surge of pride and motivation, knowing that his efforts were recognized and cheered on by José. This support was exactly what he needed to keep moving forward with his fitness goals.

Your role as a mentor

As a mentor, you will provide support and trouble-shoot different strategies to help your mentee overcome any barriers to their own success. You’ll also hold them accountable for their own plans for progress. In the scenario, you learned how a mentor can provide support and guidance in order to be the person that holds them accountable.

Next, you will review the SMART goals framework so you can help your mentees set appropriate and achievable goals.