Writing down goals might be the easy part but actually following through with them is a whole other thing! I mean how often have we said to ourselves “I want to get another job” “I want to lose 5 lbs” “I’m going to work out more.” I felt like things appeared on my goal lists over and over again but there was always something holding me back. Getting a jump start wasn’t really the problem it was the follow through when things got rough or I didn’t see any results. I’m here to tell you, that the biggest mistake people make is not having an accountability partner. Without this, we are going to fall into these traps over and over again.
So, what even is an accountability partner?
This is someone who is equally invested in your goal that can help you through the process of accomplishing it. According to John Bregman, “Accountability is about delivering on a commitment. It’s responsibility to an outcome, not just a set of tasks. It’s taking initiative with thoughtful, strategic follow-through.”
I know what you might be thinking… but they are my goals and I don’t want to bother anyone with them.
This was seriously my life for YEARS! I didn’t want to “bother” people since it was something I wanted to do and felt like if I asked for help it proved that I couldn’t do it. I was burned out, tired and stressed because I didn’t have the help I needed. The goal was really important to me but without seeing the results I would get easily distracted and find something else that would yield the results I was looking for.
Things would start out all fine and good and then.. BAM not so much. It’s at those points that I would want someone and wish I would have reached out sooner.
You might still be asking: “Why do I need an accountability partner?” What can they provide me that will help me actually achieve my goals even if I’m working really hard to get there. Here are four specific reasons why we need one:
Getting through road blocks
When times get tough, accountability partners get going. They are there to support us when we need it the most and help us:
- Pick up the pieces
- Re-evaluate the plan
- Make any necessary changes
- Provide the support we need to move on
Remind us of our goals
As we are trying to accomplish our goals, we can get side tracked. Things come up, life changes and we question why this was our goal in the first place. Having someone who understands your mindset and knows how important this is to you is key as we often need just a little reminder to stay focused and keep going.
Be our cheerleader and support system
Sometimes we just need a good old hug, rah rah, or “you got this.” Road block or not it’s good to know that you have someone cheering for you and supporting you along the way.
Be your sounding board
When we are consumed and focused on achieving a goal we might not think about the potential road blocks ahead or other paths to get to the same result. Having someone who can think outside of where you are and give you alternative paths is huge. Whether you take them or not, it’s always good to think about other ways you can reach the same goal. Everyone has their own process to get to the same outcome, consider hashing through your process with your partner.
Having someone in your corner who wants the best for you goes a long way. It can help us from burning out and thinking through each step of the process. Your partner wants you to accomplish your goal just as much as you do. When you find the right one they will be in it with you- 110%!
What’s one thing that has been on your goal list forever and you just can’t seem to accomplish?
Don’t forget to check out the other 2 posts in the #NOTOKTHATSOK Personal Development Series:
The One Thing People Don’t Tell You About Finding Your Purpose
The One Thing You Need To Know to Achieve Your Goals
- Cultivating Relationships - July 20, 2021
- Empowering Our People - July 13, 2021
- Finding Purpose - July 6, 2021
YES!! Accountability is SO important and sometimes so hard.
I completely agree, Meagan! It doesn’t come naturally to me to ask for help!
I am always talking about accountability to my group! Thanks for sharing!
A group is the best! I’m so glad it’s helpful for you Shalonda!
Yes, having an accountability partner is such a good idea! Great blog post:)
Thank you Aida! That means a lot!
These are some really great tips. An accountability partner can really help you keep yourself on track.
Thanks so much Jennifer!
its true! an accountability friend helps maintain the momentum!
Totally agree Jamie!
Great article! I think one of the hardest thing is to find the right person for the job. but love this view of it.
It really is Rox. I try to find people who are aligned with my values and are as much invested in my success. At first it’s usually being closest to me (friends and family).
Yes! Accountability partners or coaches can be so beneficial!
I couldn’t agree more, Aryn!
I do a goal setting session at the start of the year with colleagues and we hold each other accountable all year, it’s great!
That’s seriously AMAZING Wendy! It helps so much to know that people are looking out for you.
I need to work on that aspect of my life. Great read.
Thank you Yasiris! Keep us posted on your progress!
Thanks so much and keep us posted!
Great topic to discuss! Accountability is something many people struggle with. Great advice!
Thank you so much Michelle!
It is! I think it’s hard to bring people in and ask for help.
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Ashley!
Thanks for reading Ashley!
Such good advice! I’m always more productive and successful with people around me supporting and asking questions and encouraging. Great read!
I couldn’t agree more Anna! It’s pretty powerful what a partner can do for our success.
I couldn’t agree more, Anna! It really makes a huge difference.
Great post! I am learning to ask for help, one person really can’t do it all! It makes such a difference.
Thank you so much Leslie! I completely agree, we can’t do everything alone and it’s so helpful to find a partner.
Great advice indeed! Thank you so much for sharing.
Wonderful advice! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for reading Jess!
Great topic!
Those Gilmore Girls gifs really speak to me <3
It’s such an awesome show!
Great advice!
Having someone by your side is SO helpful. Love your article.
Thank you so much! It really does make a difference.
Love all the GG references 🙂 Accountability partners are great!
Aw thanks Elizabeth! It’s the best show!
This is a great read! I agree; having accountability partners is so important. It helps keep you on track.
I’m so glad you liked it and thanks for reading!
My husband is my accountability partner. Since I’ve started asking for help I have gotten so much better at tracking my goals, setting deadlines, reading the data, etc.
I totally agree Sarah! It makes such a difference knowing someone is supporting you and wants the best for you.
I needed to read this!! Thank you! And the gifs were so funny… Exactly my thoughts!
Thanks so much Shelby!
I just love your blog! This topic is SO important…my husband is my accountability partner and he loves it! He even inspires me to do so much more than I plan for myself!
Thank you so much Emily! My husband is mine too… not idea what I would do without him!
Totally agree with all that you said.
Thank you for sharing this!
Great read! This has been a hard concept that I’ve been working on these past few months. Getting up the nerve to say, yes I’m worth achieving what I set out to do, and I do have people in my life that can support me. and I might fail but I won’t know unless I try!
It really is hard to get up the courage to even try and that’s huge that you’re doing that! I wish you nothing but the best and please keep us posted on your progress!
Great read! Thank you for sharing this!
i so believe in an accountability partner! thank you for this article to remind me of how we can support each other.
Thank you for reading Alexandra! An accountability partner makes a huge difference!
Oh I think I am in dire need of accountability partner!
We can totally do this for each other!
Absolutely. This totally hits home.
Thanks for reading Summer!
Accountability is SO important! My hubs is my AP, and he’s sometimes good at it, sometimes not!
Mine is for some aspects and for others I needed to find someone else to push me 🙂
Yay! Accountability partners are the best butt kickers around! ha ha! (Also, your GIFs in this post are spot on.)
They really are the best butt kickers and I am a serious sucker for Gifs.. maybe a little addicted 🙂
Great advise Alissa! Accountability really is so important!
Thanks so much Bailey!
What a great post. These are some great tips/
I’m always the first to offer help but it’s always the last thing I ask for, like you mentioned, I don’t want to bother anyone. I may just need to sign up for YOUR help 😉
It really is hard to ask especially when we are used to being the ones to help others. Once, we get over the hump it makes a HUGE difference. For real, send me an email ANYTIME! alissa@notokthatsok.com.
This is so true!! Having an accountability partner is life changing. Great post!
I couldn’t agree more Natalie!
So many great points here! Love your blog.
Thanks so much Amy! Hope you’re having a great day!
You are so right!! There is someone locally I want to connect with, but have been too shy to do so. We are at similar stages in our business, so having her as an accountability partner would be amazing (and a great way to reach out). Thanks!
I’ve always done better when I have an accountability partner – especially in goals that I struggle to want to get to, such as a weight loss goal. Thank you for the great advice!
Wow! Your article makes so much sense! Thank you so much for sharing!
Accountability is so important AND intimidating! This definitely has me thinking!
It really is! It’s so hard when people call us out for NOT doing something.
This is such great advice! I’ve been feeling like I’m hitting many roadblocks in my business lately and some days are very hard. I’m going to bookmark this blog post. Thank you!
Great information and advice for small business owners, thanks for the blog!
I LOVE sharing my goals with my accountability partner/my bestie… once I say them out loud to someone, I feel automatically more connected with the goal!
I always preach this!!! An accountability partner is such a vital part of keeping you on track! I completely agree with you on this!
Yes!! I have a couple people that track each others goals. It helps a lot! I love all the memes 🙂
It makes such a difference and thank you Sunshine!!
Ooh this is awesome! My husband is my current accountability partner — but he doesn’t have to do much (I’m pretty good at staying on track). It’d be awesome to have an actual accountability partner, though, to help with the extra hard days! I’m definitely going to check this out!
I just began looking for a business coach and one of the reasons is just to have that accountability partner.
I completely agree with the accountability aspect to creating goals. I find that as soon as I say it outloud to someone, it’s official and I feel the pressure of getting whatever the goal is to be done.
I always crack up over the GIFs you use to get your point across. These are some awesome tips! Having someone to help hold you accountable is always a great business push!
One thing? Probably writing a book. I really want to do that.
Thank you for writing and sharing this. Its all so helpul and a great reminder that we don’t need to do things on our own! thanks for sharing <3
Thanks so much Jenn!!
I like this idea of making someone else accountable because I sure can’t do it for myself all the time!
It makes such a huge difference to even just have one person rooting for you and holding you accountable