How Accountability Partners Can Make You More Successful
There is an African proverb that says "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This phrase resonates so deeply with me because I truly believe that if you're surrounded by the right people you'll be inspired to achieve more.
My accountability partners have not only helped me to stay on track with achieving my goals but have provided me with countless amounts of wisdom. Sometimes, I don't feel like doing the work that’s necessary and other times I am the most productive person in the world! However, when I'm stuck in between those two versions of myself, my accountability partners ignite the fire that helps keep me motivated to stay on the right track.
According to Entrepreneur.com you are 65% more likely to reach a goal once you have committed to another person.
The success rate increases to 95% when you organize ongoing meetings to check in and track your progress.
What Makes a Good AP?
I'm glad you asked. There are a few ways to determine whether or not someone will make a good Accountability Partner (AP) to you. A good AP will not only inspire you by the fruits of their labor, they will also be your cheerleader and motivate you along the way. The goal is to find someone that you feel is trustworthy, honest, empathetic and vulnerable.
Your AP Should be Trustworthy & Honest
The last thing you need is someone who will sugar coat things in order to make you feel better. Having someone available to give you the honest truth in a loving way is pivotal for your growth and it will help you recognize blind spots that you may not be privy to. Your AP should be comfortable to tell you when you're wrong and when you need to alter your behavior. It’s important that you keep an open mind and allow yourself to be receptive to constructive criticism.
Your AP Should be Empathetic & Vulnerable
We all know change isn't easy and there may be circumstances that cause you to not to reach a goal by your deadline and that happens! Be sure to remember to give yourself grace and be proud that you are doing what's necessary to alter your lifestyle. Your AP should be understanding that there may be certain life events that get in the way and will cause you the need to alter your deadline. Having an AP that is empathetic when those situations arise helps builds trust and understanding that can create a stronger bond in your relationship.
Additionally, choose an AP that is vulnerable and transparent about their journey. Personally, when I learn about others’ stories and witness their perseverance it drives me to challenge myself even more.
Organize Check-In Meetings
Your success rate increases by 95% when you organize regular meetings and keep track of your progress. My girlfriends and I have a meeting once a month on Google Meet and discuss our tasks from the month prior. Additionally, we assist one another with resources and share contacts, advice, and education to prevent one another from making mistakes we've made in our own businesses. If this seems something you and your friends might be interested in, I advise that your group create a calendar invite and an open doc or excel spreadsheet to keep meeting notes so everyone can access their list of to-do's.
Hold Yourself Accountable
You’ve got to make sure that you are holding yourself accountable too and admit when you’re wrong and when you’ve fallen behind. It can be hard to stay in the “focused” mindset and there may be times that you feel discouraged. One way I actively combated those moments is by taking necessary moments of rest and listening to inspirational podcasts by other entrepreneurs. Listening to encouraging words from others that have gone down a similar path makes me feel empowered and capable to continue the journey less travelled.
Additionally, I utilize my to -do list to help keep me on track for my daily, weekly and monthly goals.
Accountability is a love language | Tafadzwa Bete Sasa | TEDxLusaka
Helpful Apps to Keep You On Track
There is literally an app for everything these days, and these apps can help you stay organized and keep you on the right track.
Notion - I’m obsessed with this app because it has helped me tremendously with organizing my life and business. Notion allows you to track, brainstorm, and organize multiple projects at once. Plus you can integrate AI to help you with social captions and more!
Stickk- is a commitment platform with tools to help you achieve your goals. You pledge a certain amount of money and bet on yourself. If you reach your goal you get to keep your money, and if you don't, your money goes to a cause that you're not so fond of.
Coach.me is a free app that helps you track your habits. You are also able to book coaching sessions through the app, and they will help hold you accountable during the process. If you're interested in becoming a coach, you are able to sign up through the website and can start helping others.
The journey won't always be easy, and there will be days that are far more difficult than others, but when you have the help and support you need, it becomes much easier. Choose someone or people you can trust, and you are inspired by. Don't allow anyone to coach you or become your accountability partner if they aren't willing to put the necessary work in for themselves.
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