A new pet is an amazing source of joy and also a huge responsibility, as anyone with a pet knows.

One of my clients is picking up a new puppy today! After months of contemplation, they are finally ready for a new family member and a golden retriever puppy has found its way to them and their 12 year old son.

Both the mom and dad have been talking about wanting to move more as they continually work on living a healthier lifestyle. Getting a puppy makes this goal instantly attainable.

With the constant needs of (amost) having a new “baby” in their home, they will have to move more to care for and train their new puppy. They will also need to get outside more to let the dog out and take it for walks.

It’s so much easier to do things for someone or something else because we don’t consider it an option to not take care of something that has needs that require our help (e.g. a puppy). We often forget or neglect our own needs however because we can rationalize something else as being more important than getting out for a walk for ourselves.

My clients will now be able to use their puppy as motivation to move more, get outside daily and take walks whether they feel like it or not. That’s great for them, their son and their new dog.

But what if we don’t want a new pet and we do want the benefits of moving more, getting outside daily and going for regular walks? How do we make that happen when there is no dog that needs to be walked?

The answer to that is: friends, friends, friends, and family, family, family.

Social accountability is the number one way (if you do not have a pet!) to ensure that you follow through with daily commitments to walk and /or get yourself outside. There are certainly people who are self disciplined enough to do this on their own, but they are the exception to the rule.

Finding someone (or multiple people) you enjoy spending time with and scheduling weekly walks with will help to ensure that you get yourself out and moving. You’ll feel better due to the movement AND the social interaction.

The more you move with others, the more motivated you also become to get out for walks on your own. Positive or negative habits will snowball into greater habits, so why not start your positive habit today?

Action Step:

Think of at least one person you might enjoy going for a walk with weekly and reach out them to make that happen. Commit to each other to walk once per week regardless of the weather (e.g. walk inside a mall or elsewhere if the weather outside isn’t conducive to walking) or change your walk day if possible.

Commit to one additional day to prioritize yourself and get outside and walk by yourself. Listen to your favorite music, audiobook or podcast or simply enjoy the sounds of nature while you walk and practice being present.

Your body and spirit will thank you!