Building Accountability with an Orthodox Mindset

Why is it so hard to stay accountable to our health goals, especially when life gets busy?

As the Nativity Fast begins, it’s the perfect time to reflect on accountability. Fasting provides not only a spiritual discipline but also an opportunity to grow in accountability—both spiritually and physically. After all, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and your physical health is intricately linked to your spiritual well-being.

Accountability is woven into the fabric of Orthodox living, rooted in humility, obedience, and community.

• Spiritual Fathers: They act as our spiritual accountability partners, guiding us toward repentance and growth.
• Confession: This sacrament isn’t only about absolution but helps us stay accountable before God.
• Godparents: They teach, encourage, and help us remain accountable as we grow in Christ.

When we ask others to help us stay accountable or step up to support someone else, we’re fulfilling the directive to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

Just as staying spiritually accountable requires vigilance, self-reflection, confession, and repentance, physical accountability demands the same consistent effort. Both involve the struggle to stay on course despite distractions and challenges.

A supportive community can make all the difference. Consider how fasting is easier when we know others are fasting alongside us. For example, coffee hour after Sunday Liturgy often reflects this shared effort—whether through communal fasting foods or mindful planning when bringing dishes.

Planning and goal setting are essential in building accountability, particularly when it comes to health. Whether you partner with someone on the same journey or work with a coach to create realistic goals, having a community around you makes healthy choices more achievable. When we care for our bodies, we honor God’s creation and prepare ourselves to serve others.

1. Find Your Community: Surround yourself with like-minded people who share your goals. For a holistic approach, consider joining one of my coaching programs, which integrate physical health with an Orthodox mindset.

2. Set Clear Intentions: Be specific—commit to something tangible, like walking 30 minutes daily or planning fasting meals ahead of time.

3. Share Goals with a Trusted Friend: Accountability thrives in fellowship. Share your goals with someone who can encourage and support you.

4. Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to reflect on your journey. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.

5. Celebrate Success Together: Acknowledge even the small victories, like staying consistent for a week. Every step forward matters.

6. Practice Gratitude: Give thanks to God for your progress and for the opportunities to improve your health.

Accountability is not about self-reliance but reliance on God’s grace. As we pray before beginning any task: “Without Me, you can do nothing” and “help me, a sinner, to do in union with Thee this work which I am about to begin.”

In my programs, I encourage clients to incorporate prayer, asking for strength and the will to persevere. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite Him into our struggles.

And remember—we all fall. Accountability isn’t about being perfect all the time. It’s about getting back up with God’s help when we stumble, knowing that His grace is sufficient for our journey.

Whether you’re working on spiritual health, physical health, or both, remember that accountability is a process. As Orthodox Christians, we embrace this journey, striving to build each other up as Christ calls us to do.

If you’re looking for support and accountability, join us in my Orthodox Food, Fitness, and Faith Facebook group, where Orthodox women journey together in faith and health.

Let’s walk this path together, strengthening body and soul for the glory of God.