Level-up with some Accountability

This was by far my favorite sign when I visited Disney World several years ago. Many signs around the park on fences and constructions areas said "Dreams being built" or Magic is happening", but this one caught my eye as an actual peak into working with Mr. Disney.

“Everyone needs deadlines.” It’s exceptionally true when you think about it, without a deadline you’d have to count solely on your self drive to accomplish, well… anything.

This is where accountability comes in. In Coaching, accountability is one of the major pillars that enables “dreams to be built” (see what I did there?).  There are a litany of studies out there showing the benefits of having an accountability partner – someone who helps you track your goal and helps cheerlead, motivate, or even admonish you if you fail to meet a milestone. 

In fact, one study from the American Society of Training and Development found that you have a 65% chance of completing your goal if you commit to someone and a 95% (read again, NINETY-FIVE PERCENT) chance if you meet regularly with your accountability partner.

(Abstract from study here https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2091401)

Want more? Copy/Paste this into your google 😉 “Studies on accountability”

Accountability is one of my favorite tools in coaching. It’s where the rubber-meets-the-road. If we’re having a hard time completing that task week-by-week then it’s time to address it “What’s making this task hard to complete?” or “When we came up with this one you were so excited to do it, what changed?” 

Want an easy way to add some accountability? Simply tell someone your goal and then schedule follow-ups. Examples? Sure:

“I’m trying to change my outlook in the office, do you mind meeting with me monthly to give me feedback?”

“I’m trying to work out more often; would you mind asking me daily if I got my steps in today?”

“I’m trying to eat healthier; would you please remind me of it when I break down and you see me with a pizza?”

“I’d like to have more date nights, will you sit down with me and we can schedule them together?”

“I’m trying to launch my side hustle to replace some income, can I meet with you regularly to reflect on my goals and track well-defined action steps?”  (#Coaching)

Question of the day:  What's something you need accountability on?