Yesterday, I spent some time with my mom, a.k.a MY business coach. She’s been the ultimate accountability partner in helping me get to the next level in my business. We talk almost every day and she knows how to ask me the tough questions about how I’m spending my time and reminding me of the goals I set out to accomplish this year. Of course, it helps that my mom is an entrepreneur herself, with a business that’s already earning six figures, which is where I want to be! I’m able to get so much more done knowing that she’s going to ask me about my progress on a regular basis.
Do you have someone in your life like that? Do you have an accountability partner?
What is an accountability partner?
- a friend, family member, co-worker, mentor, coach or someone else you can trust to help you keep a commitment
- someone on the same path as you or simply willing to help you in your specific journey
- someone who can help you stay on track toward reaching your goals
- someone who stands firm and won’t let you get away with making excuses or procrastinating
- someone who will ask you all those difficult questions we tend to avoid
It’s so important to have someone – paid or otherwise – to help keep you on track with your goals in life and business. It’s so easy for a year, five years, or even 10 years to go by and you still up there talking about how you’re “trying” to start a business, lose weight, get back into the dating game, etc.
There’s nothing wrong with asking or even paying someone to help you. It just means that you’re serious about your goals. And if you’re really serious about changing your life, wouldn’t you WANT someone to make sure you keep moving forward? Otherwise, it many never happen for you…
Of course, most of us already KNOW what we need to do to reach our goals. We know the steps, it’s just that we need help (a.k.a. a kick in the butt) to take action. Sometimes we get stuck because we’re holding a subconscious belief that we don’t deserve success. Sometimes we’re procrastinating due to a fear of failure. An accountability partner (and especially an actual coach) won’t allow you to let those blocks keep you down!
How to find an accountability partner:
- Ask a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, or mentor to help you. Make an ongoing weekly or monthly appointment to share a “progress report” by phone or in person.
- Hire a coach. The benefit of a coach is that she will be objective in helping you reach your goal, whereas sometimes our loved ones can have ulterior motives in the advice they give. It’s not on purpose or in any kind of malicious way, it’s just that they typically want what they think is “best” for you.
- Seek out online communities where there are people who have the same interests and goals as you. You want to surround yourself with other people who are making positive changes in their lives, because they will be more likely to want to help you do the same thing. Personal growth is contagious!
In the comments, share your answers to the questions below:
- If you already have an accountability partner, how did you find them?
- If you want one, what’s the next step you will take to get one?
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Even though I don’t have an accountability coach, I try to be an accountability partner for my friends. I think being accountable to someone else really helps a person stay on track with their goals. It is important that the friends trust each other talking about their goals and aspirations.
Great information and details.
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Great post!
I have a few accountability partners. I have one for my spiritual walk, and then I have my “dream coach” who is consistently reminding me about my passion. Over the past 25 years of my life, I’ve had a lot of friends and associates, but the ones that have managed to be the most beneficial and the ones who stick with me through thick and thin, are the ones that are constructively critical. Iron sharpens iron right?
They tell me when I’m out of line (privately) and encourage me when I’m on the right track (publicly and privately!)
I’d say the best way to meet a good accountability partner is to look within your circle of friends for someone with a similar goal so that it’s mutually beneficial. Or maybe, this is your opportunity to help someone move towards something they hadn’t considered (but should be considering… lol). A friend of mine picked up some lbs over the winter and I asked her to run with me so that we’d be all set for the summer. She ended up reminding ME when it was time to run.
Thanks again for the post!
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This is so true. I have had my accountability partner for about three months and she has been phenomenal in helping me see where I am wasting my time. This week she really put in my place, at first I didn’t like it but I needed to hear it or else I wouldn’t be able to grow. So, one of the most important qualities in a partner, I’d say, is getting someone who will take a risk and point out to you what they see and observe that may be stopping you from your success (in a nice way).
Stellar post!
I like the idea if having an accountability partner, but I don’t have one, nor do I know anyone in my circle that I would want to be one for me. I love them but I need someone who won’t be afraid to correct me or hold me accountable, no matter what!
Brandiss, perhaps you might want to consider hiring a coach? Most people can see great results in a short amount of time when working with one – I know I have as well as my clients. Let me know if I can help!
I have always wanted to hire a coach, just never thought that I would be able to dish out hundreds of dollars for one. I’m sure they are worth it, but that’s out of my budget right now. Do you have any other suggestions? Maybe some helpful books or something?
eye opener..have unofficial accountability partners..need to focus..get some one to give me the right push when i buckle..thanks for sharing
I’m blessed to have two accountability partners. One has been my friend for over 10 years and the other I have only known a little over a year. I’m very appreciate of them because they know when to put me in my place and push back onto the right track when I need it.
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I just learn about accountability partner for a challenge I am taking part in. I am in need of one. I just don’t know who would be the right fit or better yet up for the task.
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Thank you for this! I say that everyone needs a cabinet (like the President http://wp.me/pxtTV-es), but having a specific person hold you accountable for projects or goals is invaluable. You’ve motivated me to reconnect with my mentor this week!
Great post, Denise! Thanks for sharing. Mentors are so important – I am planning to reconnect with mine soon as well.