Why You Should Seek Out Accountability, Right Now

If there's one thing I've learned through this year's pandemic, it's this.

Accountability means everything when it comes to your goals.

Why? Because during trying and uncertain times, motivation is LOW. As in, staying in bed doing nothing all day seems like a dream option.

And lately, we're being tested on several fronts. So, often our personal goals and drive get pushed to the back burner. Which is a shame because as Winston Churchill once said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste."

NOW is the time to propel forward. To roll up our sleeves and get to work. But HOW? Especially when we already feel challenged? Through others. Through accountability and making the right road easy to navigate.

Why Accountability Works

When the stakes are high, we as humans tend to follow through. This is backed by several studies. Even when we simply think we're being watched we perform better.

The key, then, is to create a system where you can't fail. Because others won't let you.

How to Get More Positive PressureTell Someone Reliable Your Goal

Whether it's a close friend you know will keep tabs on you or a social media announcement. Public commitment works wonders. Just be careful to pick the right person. If your best friend or spouse tends to be an enabler opt for someone else who will expect you to follow through.

To make this into a consistent system, find yourself a weekly accountability partner. Each week, go over the goals and habits together you said you'd complete. Did you do it? Mid-week check ins can also keep motivation going when things get hard.

Put Money Behind It

Not sure telling someone is enough? Put fifty dollars on it. Odds are, you'll follow through every single time. I know I do.

Be very specific when you put money into the mix. For example, I will drink a cup of tea five times this week. If I don’t, I pay money. Several apps like Spar! are also available to turn this into a group commitment.

Join a Club or Group

When others expect you to show up and perform, you'll feel obligated to do so. So, join a group where others are also doing the expected behavior.

Want to read more? Join a book club.

Run more? Check out a running club.

Cook healthier? Join a cooking club.

The possibilities are endless here, but choose a group that aligns with the overall goals and habits you want to build. And make sure the group is well structured and motivated.

For more ways to fire yourself up, check out Key Ways to Motivate Yourself When It's Hard. In it, I cover several other tips to get things done, even when you don’t want to.

In Conclusion

The most successful people don't become that way because they have extraordinary willpower. They do so because they get used to doing hard things. And they find ways to follow through at all costs. Usually through the means of others and even possibly their instinct to care about what others think.

Accountability is one of those key factors that makes defeat impossible. Use it today for better results!

Jenn writes at her blog healthyhappyimpactful.com. She’s a mom of three looking to learn and grow. Check it out if you love helpful tips on health, family, and personal growth.