Accountability fueled my success. Be smart and find out how to put it to work for you.
“Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.“— Bob Proctor
I committed myself almost two years ago to quit dreaming of becoming a writer and just do it.
I created a blog, wrote sporadically, and posted occasionally, watched lots of how-to webinars, signed up for Upwork, and read a lot. But I never published beyond my own small blog, and I never put myself out there with my writing. I never even got around to changing my LinkedIn profile to reflect my career change. I did not promote my site. I had an Instagram and Twitter but never knew how to use them, and I only fumbled around with a Facebook profile for my blog. I had no organization and felt completely overwhelmed.
While deep in my convoluted attempt at becoming a recognized writer, I had an epiphany. Well, it was not really that earth-shattering, but I had an idea, and it involved an old friend of mine.
We used to be best friends, raise our kids, serve on a board together, and even work for the same company. But time and life had pulled us apart. Our lives changed, she moved away, and other than an occasional comment on social media, we really had not connected in years.
But there she was, in the middle of my thoughts, and I kept thinking of how we had so much in common. So, I sent her a quick text just checking in with her. Over the next couple of days, we spent some time catching up, and then I hit her up with my idea.
I began by asking her if she was still doing her photography and what she wanted to do with it. It turns out she really wanted to make it a profession but felt a bit lost and overwhelmed. Hmm…sounds familiar.
Fast forward: We became each other’s, accountability partner. Looking back, I can honestly say it was the best business decision either one of us could have made.
She has quit her job, started an online store, and is making money following her passion. I am writing, making money, and establishing the career path of my dreams. Best of all, I now have a plan that works and a partner to keep me moving forward.
The science behind the results
The Dominican University performed a study focusing on what steps provided the best foundation for achieving goals. They focused on three areas: writing goals down, taking steps directly related to the goal, and being accountable for these actions. Their results confirmed positive results when:
- Writing down goals
- Declaration of public commitment to goals
- Accountability is involved
A study reported in the Entrepreneur and conducted by The American Society of Training and Development explored the impact accountability has on achieving a successful result. Their results were shocking.
“People are 65 percent likely to meet a goal after committing to another person.” And their chance of success “increase to 95 percent when they build in ongoing meetings with their partners to check in on their progress.”
Wow! A thirty-five percent increase. That is amazing. Writing down our goals, making lists, vision boards… all help move us forward towards our target but here, we see how accountability partners directly impact our odds for success. Let’s explore how to get started.
Establishing an accountability partner checklist.
1. Choose someone you are compatible with. You both need to be striving for similar goals and have a common language of systems, terminology, and understanding of what each other’s objective is. But most importantly, you must respect one another.
2. Meet regularly.
- If you are both working towards the same goal, such as running a marathon, you can train together.
- Meet regularly somewhere away from distractions.
- If your targets are different or distance is an issue, arrange a specific time to meet, whether in person, online, or by phone.
- Once you set this, put it in your calendar and do not deviate from it. This is a vital component of having accountability. There needs to be a consistent back and forth discussion of objectives and responsibility for decisions and actions taken throughout the week.
- Keep socializing to a minimum! This is not a date but a structured time commitment to propel you towards your goals.
3. Set clear expectations.
- Meeting time/how long. (plan to meet often, i.e., weekly)
- What your goals are for yourself and your partner.
- What are your goals are for the accountability partnership?
4. Develop a plan of action.
- Always encourage but hold one another responsible.
- Understand each other’s goals for the week. (or whatever your time length is between communication)
- Is there anything additional you could provide to help your partner, any ideas you may have discovered?
- Be available in between meetings for encouragement when things seem impossible and also to celebrate those unexpected successes. But keep to a minimum. We all have busy lives, and staying on track with other aspects of your life is important.
- Be honest and admit struggles and where you may have failed. In turn, recognize your partner’s failings and be firm but understanding. Life will get in the way. A good partner will bring your focus back and help you realign with your goals.
5. Do the work!
- It is not enough to look good on paper. You have to tools, but it is up to you to fully commit and follow-through, week in and week out. You and your partner made a commitment not just to yourselves but to each other. You are responsible for showing up and doing the work.
When my friend and I began our accountability partnership, we started with a list of 4 goals and when we wanted to complete them. We used this list to build a list of action items we do each week to further these goals. As this has progressed, the action items change to reflect our advancements and any new strategies we may have discovered.
One important aspect of our partnership is our willingness to disagree, encourage or suggest a more direct route. It is important to remember this is a joint effort and focus on our individual needs and our partner’s needs. We all have unique strengths and weaknesses that can benefit another person. My partner amazes me each week by understanding what I am feeling and knows what I need to stay focused on. Her background in marketing helps me see the advertising side of writing.
Accountability partners in the workplace
Instilling workplace accountability programs are effective for not only the company but also for the employees. Leigh Stringer, LEED AP, a workplace strategy expert, believes “Smart companies understand this and have integrated it into their culture and the way they do business. The results are better financial performance and employee retention, all of which lead to happier workers. “The concept of being held responsible for your daily efforts and routine to another person has powerful beneficial repercussions.
What if I do not want a partner?
Perhaps you just do not want another person holding you accountable, or maybe you prefer your partner to be someone outside your circle. Whatever the reason, do not worry. You are in luck. Technology is always ready and willing to do what we as humans find difficult.If
There are a variety of apps available for establishing ways to incorporate meaningful accountability. Whatever you want to accomplish, there is an app to help you achieve it. If your goal is to lose weight, exercise more, train for a race, quit drinking… there are apps. Here is just a sampling of the accountability apps online.
StickK– uses data-driven techniques to drive behavioral changes toward successful goal achievements.
Sober Grid– provides a network to help with sobriety.
My Fitness Pal– helps to track weight loss goals through caloric intake and exercise.
Strides– helps track good and bad habits and uses charts and reminders to keep you on track.
Having goals are important, and having someone who holds us accountable, organized, and committed can often be the difference between succeeding or failing. Do you want to succeed? Find your accountability partner today.
