Accountability: phone a friend

Setting a goal and committing to achieve it is a feat in itself. However, staying on track and working towards your goal never comes easy. This is where an accountability partner can make all the difference. 

Your accountability partner is there to keep you committed to your goal, whatever it takes. Their job goes beyond being a supportive cheerleader in your corner and may include coaching, tough love or even some form of penalty enforcement.  

Your accountability partner can be the difference between achieving your goal or falling short, so choose wisely. Look for someone who will:

• Help you stay on track. It’s important not to let excuses get in the way of achieving goals. 

• Encourage you. A little side-line cheering from an accountability partner can be helpful when moving on from setbacks. Remember, it’s okay to fall back every now and then - but it’s not okay to give up. 

• Be just as committed as you. Your partner should lead by example and show a similar level of dedication and perseverance. 

• Cheer you on. Celebrating progress and reaching milestones is a great way to maintain excitement and motivation to keep going.

• Be strong enough. A little tough love could be helpful in stopping the recurrence of old habits, but it’s important to remain respectful while doing so.

• Show compassion. Avoid being apathetic. Be empathetic instead.

• Be flexible. Unexpected occurrences may cause changes to meeting dates or reevaluating goal timelines. Reschedule and move on if need be, but make sure that this doesn’t happen too often.

• Keep things confidential. Ensure that there is a mutual understanding of which matters will remain private to establish a level of trust.

• Leave the judgement at the door. Using degrading language should always be a no-go zone. 

• Be reliable. Agree on regular meetings or dates to share feedback or any blockers - and show up prepared each time. 

For an extra dose of commitment, create a signed contract together. This helps to ensure agreement on the roles and responsibilities of both parties.

Crush your goals with an accountability partner by your side.