The Power Of Accountability

We all know that the start of a thing is usually exciting. So, we start every new year with most of our plans mapped out; full-fledged ideas and goals to dominate the world. Mid-year, however, most of us realise that with respect to some goals, we have lost steam.

You will still like to achieve them but you don’t even know if you can pursue the goals anymore. That initial zest is gone; the hype is gone and you’re about failing on that plan.

I understand how you feel. You can be rest assured that you’re not the first person who began with “I’m going to make a billion this year” only to end with “Dear God, give me this day my daily bread.” Oh, things like this happen! But I’m sure you’re also aware of those who made plans and saw them materialise.

What then is the difference? How do they get to achieve their goals and you don’t? Why are they still running at full speed by midyear and you’re barely trying to catch your breath? What’s the trick?
A whole lot of factors come to play, but there is one I have identified and I’d love to share it with you. You might already know of this; so allow a reminder.

Get An Accountability Partner
Focus and consistency are super important, but for today, get in on this trick.

There’s that boost that comes with being accountable. I know most of you have been hurt by people whom you disclosed things to in confidence, but this thing I’m proposing is different. No matter how hurt you’ve been, or how isolated you’ve made your tent, there’s at least one person whom you can still extend a measure of trust to. For your new goals, trust me on this: Let them in on your goals. Carefully select someone and share your grand plans with them.

Go a step further and define ways you would need them to hold you accountable. By now, you should know the challenges you face with executing plans, so, share those with them and have them help you stay on track. If you doubt the effectiveness of this idea, just give it three months and see.
What’s the most grandiose goal you have for this year? Define the actionable steps and fit in ways this person can hold you accountable and watch what happens.

It is true that nothing changes until you change. I am from the school of thought that believes that the greatest motivation one can get is that which comes from within; if I don’t agree to do something, the longest any external hype can last is a couple of days. But I subscribe to this and I’ve experienced its effectiveness.
Even if you’re from the same school of thought, I believe this trick will work for you because these goals are what you have agreed by yourself to do. The push that comes from accountability is only but additional efforts to fan the embers of your vision.

It takes more than zest to see a goal to success, action is required. Therefore, the more your accountability partner asks you about your goals, the more you’re pushed to do something.

Considering the fact that we all live busy lives, you might want to make this process automated to some extent. For example, you can set up a scheduled reminder that prompts you to send a mail or text reporting how far you’ve gone; you can also agree on a fixed time to schedule your calls and then set a reminder to have that conversation… just whatever works for you.
Don’t forget what this is all about: You want to succeed and I want to support you in all the ways I can, hence this article.

I hope you do the needful: don’t just wish for progress, take the steps that lead to it.
I believe you’ll keep getting better because I trust that you’re wise to take action.
If this article helped you in any way, share it with your circle.
Till next time…