Multiple accountability partners? YES! Absolutely! It is likely that you will want see seek multiple partners for different areas of your life.
What? You don’t have anyone right now holding you accountable.
Can you really hold yourself accountable, by yourself?
How can you work with other to help you with the goals you want to achieve?
Ask yourself….
There are two questions to initially ask yourself:
- What areas am I struggling in and could use some help achieving momentum or a breakthrough to accomplish my goals? Pick two or three areas, no more.
- Have I clearly defined the results I want to accomplish in those areas?
It is my belief that many individuals have a tough time being disciplined enough to hold themselves accountable in all areas of their life, such as work/business, finances, relationships, health, fun, or personal development.
Next, seek out an accountability partner for each of those areas. You will be amazed at the progress that can occur when talking with someone else. You gain their perspective. Be mindful that it may not just be one person who becomes your accountability partner for all areas of your life.
For example, if you wanting to exercise more, then finding that workout buddy makes it more fun, more committing and more likely to happen on a regular basis. If you are discerning (read: picky) like I am, you will want to find someone who is a few steps ahead of you on their journey.
If you want to write a book, then you may need to find another budding author who needs accountability too. Your workout accountability partner may not be the best “get your book done in 90 days” partner due to their lack of interest or knowledge on the subject.
What’s the next step
Once you have identified those areas of your life, begin the process of seeking out the best accountability partner you can find. Your spouse or a family member may not be the best accountability partner, as they are emotionally attached to your outcomes either positive or negative.
Realize that you have an equal stake in the accountability process…..they hold you accountable and you hold them accountable on that specific area. Thus, the process becomes a win-win for both of you.
An example of accountability
A personal example for me is the writing of my third book, It’s 6am and I’m Already Behind: Strategies to Get Caught Up in a Crazy-Busy World. I met a lady who was also writing a book. We decided to meet every Monday for 2-4 hours to work on writing our book. She worked on hers. I worked on mine. We did that for about ten weeks and made incredible progress. Had we not spent that time, I know that I would have committed those hours to consistently working toward my goal.
We were highly productive due to our focus and commitment, Momentum happened.
Four steps to success
Here are your four steps to success:
- Get started with someone you trust and has similar goals/challenges
- Make agreements with each other
- Clearly define the results you want to achieve and be accountable
- Commit to each other in words and on your calendar
Accountability works. Use it in your life. You will experience your productivity soaring!