So you’ve set your SMART or SMARTER goals and you’re ready to Conquer 2021, now what? Set yourself up for success by having an accountability partner!
What is an Accountability Partner?
An accountability partner is a person who encourages, helps, and sometimes even coaches another person in keeping a commitment. Basically, it is a friend, colleague, or trusted individual that will make sure you do what you said you would do and vice versa.
Why Do I Need an Accountability Partner?
According to a study done by The American Society of Training and Development, you are 65 % more likely to complete a task and you’ll increase your chance of success by 95%. That alone is reason enough to have one! Let’s face it, when the going gets tough, we are more likely to quit or bail if no one is looking.
Goals? What Goals?
Accountability partners can help with just about anything. Generally speaking, accountability partners hold each other to a particular commitment/goal. They are especially useful for sustaining habit goals because you can check in with each other on a regular basis. For example, I am currently doing a couch to 5k program with my good friend Jeffrey Holst from Last Life Ever. Jeff checks in with me on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (my run days) to see how my run went. I check on Jeff on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday (the days that he is about to run). There has been a number of times that I have gotten out there mostly because I KNOW he will text me and see how I am doing!
What to Look for in an Accountability Partner
1. Honesty- It is easy to share accomplishments, but are you able to share your struggles? You have to be honest with your partner so that they can support you.
2. Reliability- Once you have established a check-in schedule, it is essential that you both stick to it and check-in with each other.
3. Acceptance- While you need someone to be accountable to, it is also important that this person be non-judgmental. Someone whom you feel comfortable with and someone who understands that struggles and relapses happen to all of us.
Where to Find An Accountability Partner
Your partner could be a friend, colleague, family member, or peer. They could also be someone who has been successful in the issue you are working on. If they are honest, reliable, and accepting, and have your best interest at heart you can’t go wrong. You can also find support via online groups and pages. There is a virtual space for just about anything you can think of! Check out Last Life Ever, whose sole mission is to help people live the best version of their last life ever.
“If you’re currently alive then we know one thing for sure, It’s your last life ever. This is why we believe in inspiring ourselves and others to live the very best version of their lives.”
–Last Life Ever
