Tag Archives: Accountability

An Object in Motion (Guest Post)

1 Reply
Frame with text: "You can do it" beside a potted flower.
Image by Click on 👍🏼👍🏼, consider ☕ Thank you! 🤗 from Pixabay

An Object in Motion

by Steph Beth Nickel

There is a scientific principle that states, “An object in motion tends to stay in motion, and an object at rest tends to stay at rest.”

I am that object.

While rest is crucial to productivity and peace of mind, vegging on the couch, binge-watching Netflix rarely recharges our batteries. At least it doesn’t recharge mine.

I am excellent at making excuses.

As an extrovert, I need company—even fictious characters.

I’ll be more productive—tomorrow.

Just one more episode. Yeah, right!

Sitting with my hubby, watching a movie we enjoy, doesn’t fall under the same category. At the end of a long, crazy day, Dave needs to decompress. And we are together, something we enjoy even after 39 years of marriage. Thank You, Lord!

But that lying back and “resting” on the couch by myself? It rarely, if ever, energizes me. I can’t seem to muster up the energy to read, which would be much better for my intellect and my mood. Most often I fall asleep, even though I’ve had enough rest.

However, when I head to my home office, sit at my desk, and make significant progress—or even complete—a long-neglected project …

Now, that’s when I do an internal happy dance. I feel the shot of adrenaline. And I want to move onto my next task.

Instead of tiring me out, my work recharges me, something sedentary “leisure activities” never does.

If you’re “an object at rest” but aren’t feeling renewed, here are a dozen suggestions that may get you moving:

  1. Get up and stretch periodically.
  2. Grab a healthy snack.
  3. Drink a tall glass of water.
  4. Go for a hike—or a walk around the block.
  5. Play some upbeat music.
  6. Dance like no one’s watching—especially if you’re alone.
  7. Do a favourite workout.
  8. Read a book or listen to a podcast instead of watching TV.
  9. Take a TIMED BREAK to play an online game. Wordle has really taken off recently.
  10. Connect with a friend (via Zoom or Voxer, on the phone, in person—whatever works for the two of you).
  11. Find an accountability partner. Connect at the beginning of the week and state one or things you each want to accomplish by the end of the week. Connect again at the end of the week. Knowing we are answerable to someone often motivates us to become “an object in motion.”
  12. Play a board game with your family. And if you live alone or want to expand your group and can’t get together in person, set something up via Zoom. Yes, there are many people who are tired of Zoom meetings of all kinds, but it can bridge the distance and do you a lot of good.

Note: It’s important to check with your health care provider before you change your diet and/or level of physical activity.

Getting things crossed off my Procrastination List is one of the best feelings ever—and, this week, I’ve done well.

My plan for the days ahead: Become an Object in Motion.

How about you? What recharges your batteries and inspires and motivates you to keep making strides forward?

Photo credit: Jaime Mellor Photography

Steph Beth Nickel is a freelance editor and writer and an author. If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.

You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.

You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.

The Importance of Community (Guest Post)

2 Replies

The Importance of Community

by Steph Beth Nickel

We're created for communityAccountability Partner

My hubby and I are going to Jasper, Alberta this summer. Dave has been dreaming for decades about showing me his favourite place in the world.

Because he wants to hike when we’re there, Dave feels the need to improve his cardio endurance. So, earlier this week, he decided to get a gym membership. Mine has been dormant for quite a while despite my best intentions, but this will get us there every other day. At least that’s the plan.

Many people are more motivated to work out if someone else is counting on them. Accountability is a very good thing. I happen to enjoy exercise but keep putting it off if I’m not answerable to anyone.

The benefits of accountability and community aren’t restricted to fitness endeavours.

Christian Community

Just this week at our staff prayer meeting (I work as administrator at our church), we discussed the importance of coming together to pray, worship, and fellowship.

For good reason, in Hebrews 10:24-25, God instructs, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together . . .” (ESV)

These are among my favourite verses in Scripture. They overflow with a sense of community and our role within that community. Each of us has something of value to offer. It’s significant that the Bible refers to believers in Jesus Christ as not only members of the same family but also parts of the same body. We really do need one another. In fact, each one is indispensable.

We are to encourage, build up, and keep one another accountable.

One Anothers

In fact, the Bible overflows with “one another” statements:

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honour” (Romans 12:10 ESV). What an amazing community we’d have if we obeyed these directives!

“Live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16 ESV). Harmony … such a sweet word!

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7 ESV).

We can only obey these commands and the numerous other “one anothers” throughout the Scriptures in the context of community.

Worth the Risk

Granted, there are risks involved. We’ve all been hurt by others. And if we’re honest, we’ll admit we’ve hurt others as well.

If larger groups are too difficult to face, we can seek out at least one other person who will support us and keep us accountable. We may then want to become part of a small group. Our Growth Group has been a real blessing, a safe place to “do life” with one another. And being part of a local fellowship gives us lots of opportunities to come alongside one another, to minister using our unique gifts and abilities, and to fulfill God’s plans for us.

Do you have a support system? Do you offer support to others? Are you part of a Christian community?

(Scroll down to share your comment.)

Steph Beth Nickel

Steph Beth Nickel
(Photo by Stephen G. Woo Photography)

Stephanie (Steph Beth) Nickel is an award-winning co-author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She also loves to speak, teach, and take slice-of-life photos. She would love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.