As previously mentioned, the friendly saboteur is likely a friend, family member, or significant other. He or she will be someone close to you. So how do you counter a friendly saboteur without sacrificing the relationship, assuming of course that you want to keep that relationship?

The first step is mindfulness. Be aware of your workout goals and the work you’ve already put in. Then make sure the people around you have that same awareness. Let them know what you are trying to achieve and enlist their help to get there. This serves a dual purpose. First, you will preemptively deflect that offer of dessert or suggestion for another drink.

The second, and more important, reason is that you’ll know who is your true friend. By telling people your goals, you give them a chance to either help you or not. Those who know what you want and help you are people you want to keep close.

Those who don’t… well, oftentimes it’s about them more than about you. And that will be a topic for another day.

In the meantime, good luck with your workouts and stay on track!