Whatever changes you are trying to make changes in your life an accountability partner will make a big difference in your success. We all have goals we try and accomplish and because we are busy or maybe a little unsure of the next steps to take, we put things on hold.
Before we go further, let me explain what I mean by an accountability partner. I first heard about this concept about a year ago when I joined my first Mastermind group. I’d had people in my life that helped me accomplish tasks before, but I soon realized this relationship is different. Your accountability partner is as committed to your success as you are. Because of that, they are honest with you (even when you sometimes wish they weren’t).
We all make excuses when we are unsure about what to do next or when stepping outside our comfort zone. That is natural. Your accountability partner will hold your feet to the fire and challenge you to ask yourself why you are not moving forward.
My accountability partner and I have each had, at different times, items on our “to do” list that seemed to stagnate. For me, it’s been video blogs. Recently she asked me, “Sally, what is stopping you from doing the video blog? You’ve spoken at conferences. You’ve done interviews. Why do you think this stays on your list?”
I thought about it and realized that I was uncomfortable with talking to a camera. How would I come off? Would I be able to share my message naturally? When I write, I can go back and make changes if I don’t like something. Until recently I didn’t have the software to make edits to video. Her question pushed me to make that investment. Now, I’ve got a session planned where I will create and edit videos for my blog.
Another advantage of an accountability is taking advantage of each other’s strengths. Have you taken the StrengthsFinder test? The cost is about $15 to get insight into your top five strengths. I believe it is well worth it. Two of my top five strengths are achiever and connector. I get stuff done and see the connections between ideas. My accountability partner’s strengths include ideation and strategic. She will have more ideas in an afternoon than I’ll get in a month. She helps me see new ways to expand my thinking and I help her narrow her list so she can get things done. This balance between the two of us is just another way we help each other.
What are you trying to accomplish as you stretch yourself to achieve your dreams? Is there someone else you know that is trying to achieve something new in their life as well? Teaming up as accountability partners will help you both accomplish your dreams.
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