Do you feel unmotivated and think having accountability will magically solve all of your problems? I'm sorry to break it to you, but that is total BS! When you rely too much on external accountability to reach your health and fitness goals, I promise you - shit will hit the fan.
In this episode, I'm sharing the three biggest problems with the accountability mindset, especially when hiring help or having a coach. You'll learn why accountability isn't the problem and what you need to focus on instead to crush those goals and become confident AF.
Topics Covered:
- A story about Jane and why accountability isn't the problem
- What happens when you rely on external sources
- The importance of personal responsibility and why accountability is an excuse
- Why accountability doesn't matter if you're going in the wrong direction
Now that you know, what will you do differently the reach your goals? I would love to know! Follow me on Instagram to let me know what topics you want to hear more about or who I should have on the show.
Links & Mentioned Resources:
Listen to the episode, The Story Behind the IG Profile
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Thanks for joining us on the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to help us reach even more women ready to simplify their fitness journey so they can lose weight, regain their confidence, and feel sexy AF!
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That's exactly what you'll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Hello, hello there, fam! Welcome to another episode of The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast. I’m your host, Natalia Malou, and let me start by saying this: I am absolutely loving this podcast journey.
I’ll be honest—I was a bit skeptical at first. I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy podcasting, but the incredible messages I’ve received from you, my listeners, have completely blown me away.
Funny story—my neighbor came up to me recently and said, “Hey, Natalia, I’ve been listening to your podcast, and it’s amazing!” I was like, “Wait, what? My neighbor listens to my podcast?” It’s been such a joy to connect with people I know in real life and with my internet friends in a more personal and meaningful way.
And guess what? I got my first review on iTunes! It’s official—I’m a real podcaster now. It was a five-star review from Lu Brfi, who wrote:
“I’ve known Natalia for a couple of years, and she’s the real deal. You can’t find too many coaches out there who have the breadth of knowledge and accomplishments she does. Natalia won Miss Olympia and is an excellent source of knowledge.”
Thank you so much, Lu Brfi! And to the rest of you: don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes. Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps the podcast grow.
Now, let’s dive into today’s topic: the issues I have with the accountability and motivation mindset when it comes to fitness and life.
The Call That Sparked This Episode
Earlier this week, I had a call with a client—a highly accomplished lawyer. She’s a partner in her law firm, a mom, and has been married for years. She’s the definition of successful in every way.
When I asked her why she thought she hadn’t been able to achieve her fitness goals, she said it was because she lacked accountability and motivation.
Let me pause here for a moment. Someone who has achieved so much professionally, who has raised kids, and who has built a thriving career lacks motivation and accountability? Really?
I call BS.
The Problem with the Accountability Mindset
I told her a little story to make my point. I said:
“Imagine you ask your 7-year-old to write a 500-page essay on quantum physics with full citations. Every day, you cheer him on. You tell him, ‘You’re amazing! You can do it! Keep going!’ But do you think that by the end of 30 days, he’ll have completed that essay?”
She laughed and said, “No way.”
“Why not?” I asked.
“Because he doesn’t know how to write about quantum physics,” she replied.
“Exactly,” I said. “No amount of accountability can make up for a lack of direction or the right tools.”
This is what happens to so many people in their fitness journeys. They think they need accountability, but what they’re really missing is a clear plan that fits their current life stage.
Three Problems with Relying Solely on Accountability
1. Over-Reliance on External Forces
Accountability can’t be your main driving force. Sure, a coach or a friend can provide support, but if you constantly rely on others to push you, you’ll struggle the moment that external force disappears.
A good coach’s job isn’t to babysit you—it’s to teach you how to hold yourself accountable. Ultimately, your fitness and health are your responsibility.
2. Lack of Personal Responsibility
If you’re not taking responsibility for your actions, you’ll start blaming everyone and everything else for your lack of progress.
- “It’s my coach’s fault.”
- “It’s my husband’s fault.”
- “It’s my kids’ fault.”
No, it’s your fault. Your husband didn’t make you eat the pizza. Your kids didn’t force you to skip your workout.
It’s your body and your life. If you’re not taking control, that’s a personal responsibility problem, not an accountability problem.
3. Accountability Without Direction is Useless
Let me use another analogy. Imagine you’re driving from Florida to New York. It’s a straight shot up I-95. But if you accidentally take a left turn and start heading toward California, all the accountability in the world won’t get you to New York.
Without a clear plan, you’re just working hard in the wrong direction. Accountability is only effective when paired with the right strategy.
Why Many People Fail to Achieve Their Goals
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Lack of Clarity
Many people don’t know what they really want. Saying, “I want to lose weight” isn’t enough. How much weight? By when? What steps will you take to get there?
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Poor Strategy
Even if you have a goal, you need a plan tailored to your current life stage. What worked for you in your 20s might not work in your 40s.
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Misplaced Focus
Some people think they know what to do because they’ve done a few workout programs or followed fitness influencers online. But having bits and pieces of information isn’t the same as having a cohesive, personalized plan.
Why Accountability Isn’t Enough
If accountability were all you needed, you could download an app and call it a day. There are countless free or inexpensive tools available, but they don’t work for most people. Why? Because accountability without a solid plan is like trying to bake a cake without a recipe.
You might have all the ingredients, but if you don’t know the steps, you’re not going to end up with a cake.
The Role of a Good Coach
A good coach doesn’t just hold you accountable—they give you the tools, knowledge, and direction you need to succeed. And more importantly, they teach you how to hold yourself accountable so you can maintain your progress long after the coaching relationship ends.
Final Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of the three main problems with relying on accountability:
- Over-reliance on external forces makes you dependent on others.
- Lack of personal responsibility keeps you from taking control of your life.
- Accountability without direction leads to frustration and wasted effort.
If you want lasting success, you need more than just accountability—you need clarity, strategy, and a willingness to take responsibility for your own choices.
Thank you so much for listening, fam! I hope this episode was helpful. If you have questions, thoughts, or just want to tell me how much you loved—or hated—this episode, hit me up on Instagram: @NataliaMeloFit
Don’t forget to leave a review on iTunes. Your feedback keeps me going and helps this podcast reach more people.
Until next time, take care of yourselves and remember: your success is your responsibility. Bye!
