Resources:
mentalhealthrecovery.com
www.healthaccountabilitycoach.com
As an accountability coach, my goal is to help you become the best you, you can be. But “best” is a subjective word meaning that it is subject to interpretation. What is important is that there is only one person who will ever really know what is best for you, and that is you. In your journey to be healthy, fit and happy, you need to take charge of your own life. You know best how you feel, what you want or don’t want and what you are willing to do to achieve that. You need to become your own advocate. An advocate is a person who supports a cause and what better cause than your own health. As a self-advocate you need to tell people your thoughts and feelings, ask for what you need and want, know your rights, and speak up for them. Be an active participant in your own care and seek out the professionals, support or community you could use on your team for a healthy mind and healthy body. You need to communicate your needs through your first lines of defense such as primary care physicians, personal trainers, health coaches or therapists. Allow and trust others to help you find and build your dream team. It is a team who is taking care of your physical and mental needs so that you can continue to fight to be the best version of yourself!!
As you build your team there are important steps to take to make sure your interests and needs are being met. The article, “Ten Steps to being an effective self-advocate”, from mentalhealthrecovery.com tells you how to gain control of your own life and get what your mind and body need.
Ten Steps to Being an Effective Self-Advocate
Believe in Yourself. You are worth it. You are a unique and valuable person.
Know Your Rights. You have the right to be in charge of your own body.
Decide What You Want. You must know your “why”, what you are fighting for.
Get the Facts. Do your own research so you can ask questions and make informed decisions.
Plan a Strategy. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
6. Gather Support. Who is on your team? Friends, family members, and professionals will help to make sure you are working toward what you want.
7. Target Efforts. Who is the person you need to be talking to, to get closer to what you are fighting for?
Express Yourself Clearly. Being prepared by writing down your questions and insights will make it much easier to express yourself clearly and stay on topic.
Assert Yourself Clearly. Be firm and avoid getting emotional by taking some calming breaths. Don’t let your frustrations keep you from getting all your questions answered.
Be Firm and Persistent. Don’t give up! Keep asking until you find answers. Remember you are worth it!!!
