As you head into the remainder of 2021, here’s some food for thought. How can we survive what’s happening in life without feeling like we’re alone? Who’s going to help you achieve your goals? What if you had one person you talked to every single week about your ambitions?
That’s where an accountability partner fits in! You need to have a partner to help keep you on target with your goals.
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about an accountability partner.
What
An accountability partner is not there to force you to complete your tasks—they help keep you accountable to yourself. Always remember that your commitments and goals are to yourself—your accountability partner is just there to keep you on track.
Who
Who you select as an accountability partner depends on what you’re looking for—personal or professional accountability. A personal accountability partner will help keep your life balanced, and can help you with family, fitness, health, etc. A professional accountability partner will help keep your work life balanced, and will help you achieve your professional goals.
No matter what you need help with, the ideal partner is someone you trust, respect, and are able to speak to honestly without ruining your relationship.
When
You should meet with your partner weekly. This has to take precedence in your life—nothing is more important than this meeting! If your week is hectic and you want to cancel or postpone, that’s exactly when you need your accountability partner to help keep you grounded and on task.
Where
If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that meetings can be held anytime, anywhere over Zoom. The location doesn’t matter as much as the mutual understanding that both partners are somewhere without distractions.
In a pinch you can sit down weekly and answer these questions over email: my most important goal for this week is, what I accomplished last week, an opportunity I have this week is, what I’ve learned within the past week, and what I’m grateful for now.
Why
Ways an accountability partner will help you succeed:
Complement each other
Challenge each other
Discuss issues the other has already solved
Consistency and continuity of discussions
Sounding board
Keep each other focused
Unveil blindspots
Cheerleader
Offer different perspectives
Share an alignment in values
And finally, an accountability partner is like having a lifeline—no matter what happens, they won’t let you go.
