How to Hold Yourself Accountable

The word “accountability” has gotten a bad reputation over the last few years. When people hear accountability, they have a negative connection with what the word means.

I want to remove the negative stigma from accountability because there is so much good that comes from being held accountable.

When you’re being held accountable, you’re more likely to reach your goals. Who doesn’t love to accomplish more?

If you’re someone who has a lot they want to achieve, here are some ways to hold yourself accountable:

Have an Accountability Partner

The best thing about accountability is having someone on your side to encourage you to keep up on your goals. This may be a partner, friend, or even a paid coach. They know what goal you have in mind and they work to make sure you’re doing what you’ve set out to.

To have the most success with a partner, you need to understand what your goal is, how much accountability you need, and how you want them to hold you accountable. For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds, this is how you communicate this to your partner.

“I want to lose 10 pounds in one month. I need you to send me a text every day for one month asking if I’ve worked out for the day.”

This is clear on your goal (losing 10 pounds in one month), what type of accountability (a text about working out), and how much accountability is needed (once a day).

Be apart of an Accountability Group

Group accountability is a fantastic way to hold yourself accountable. When you have a group that is also dedicated to a goal, you’re more likely to work together to reach the goal. Think about a group school project. You all have the common goal of receiving a good grade on the project which motivates you to do your part.

There are many types of accountability groups from free to paid, laid-back to intense, and so on. You need to understand what works best for you. You may need an intense style on certain goals or you may need to invest for some goals. When you find the right fit, you’re on your way to reaching your goals!

Work with an Accountability Coach

I have found that 1:1 accountability has great advantages. When you have someone’s undivided attention on your goals, it can serve as a great motivator. For example, having a health coach really helped me reach my goal of losing 100 pounds and maintaining my weight loss. For you, an accountability coach like me may be the perfect fit for you. The key to success with 1:1 coaching is: 

Respect for the Coach – When you respect someone, you’re more likely to listen to them and appreciate their advice.

Regular Check-ins –  Regular check-ins can serve as deadlines for tasks and activities related to your goals. 

Expertise on Goals Success – It will help to have someone who understands your goals, the importance of them, and how motivation and productivity skills can help reach your goals.

Want to learn more about hiring an accountability coach? Head to my services page to schedule a free call to learn about my accountability services.