How to easily increase your success rate with 95%
What to expect from an accountability partner?
It is a bit strange, but it seems as if we are more likely to follow through and meet our objectives if we tell someone else about them. I guess it’s easier to let ourselves down than someone else. Not to forget the fact that if we don’t tell someone about it, then no-one, except ourselves, knows about the timeline, and potentially also that we didn’t meet it.
According to a research conducted by The American Society of Training and Development if you publicly commit your goals to someone, you will per default increase the chance of completing them with 65%. If you have an accountability partner it even increases your chance of success to – hold your breath — 95%! Isn’t that crazy?
If that doesn’t convince you to start looking for your accountability partner, according to Pearson’s Law — when performance is measured, it improves; when performance is measured and reported, it improves exponentially. This guy, Karl Pearson, was an English mathematician and biostatician. An extremely bright and productive man.
So, by connecting with someone that can be your accountability partner, you increase your odds of success and achieving your goals massively.
What is an accountability partner?
The idea behind having an accountability partner is that you tell someone about your next steps and deadlines.
The accountability partner holds you accountable and makes you report back on your goal achievement. Simply said, you confirm to someone else that you have done what you said you would do.
A true partnership goes both ways. Meaning, if you’re in a one on one accountability partnership, you will also hold your buddy accountable to his or her goal too.
If you aren’t interested in a mutual partnership, i.e. holding someone else accountable, but you still want to increase your odds for success, a coach, mentor or an accountability group lead by a designated person might be a better choice for you.
An accountability partner may not only motivate and hold you accountable, They could also challenge you to take action. This would reduce procrastination, or in certain cases also push you to take a step you hadn’t originally even realized you should take. The partnership will take you closer to your goal.
What does it mean to be held accountable?
By joining an accountability group, or a partnership, you show willingness to accept responsibility for your actions to achieve that certain goal you want.
Last year, my writing progressed, but not in the pace that I wanted it to. While scrolling through Instagram one day I saw a post about the possibility to join a writers’ accountability group. I quickly signed up for it before I could change my mind. The group started in January and we met every two weeks. In that group we didn’t only talk about our individual objectives, but also about the struggles that we faced. I am certain that joining that group made me meet my writing objective much sooner than I had originally expected. There were times, when I didn’t meet the goals I had set up for myself, so I had to tell the group about it. There was absolutely no judgement from the others for not meeting my objectives. I had also done other things, still connected to my writing, that took me closer to my goal of finishing the draft of my novel. Airing thoughts, ideas and steps with other people made it much more tangible. Talking about our set-backs made us realize that we're not the only ones who struggle. We were all in the same boat.
What should I think of when choosing my accountability partner?
It is important that you feel safe and understood by your partner. To achieve the best result, you have to be open. You will potentially face a learning pilot whereas it is important that you feel that your accountability partner understands, supports and also encourages you to continue even when you’re low.
Don’t expect your partner to rescue, fix or save you. You are still responsible for defining your own actions and steps. Nevertheless, having a partner makes it easier to define and achieve those various steps, because you have someone to discuss them with.
How do I find the perfect accountability partner?
Start talking to people. Maybe a friend of a friend is also looking for an accountability partner. Let your network know that you’re looking for one. When you ask someone to be your accountability partner and they reply in a vague, non-committing response – abandon the thought of having that particular person as your accountability partner. You don’t want to spend all your energy on motivating the partner to meet or catch-up with you.
Attend events and webinars. Sign up for events and webinars in the area of your interest, where you want to meet a certain goal. Talk and chat to the other participants. Maybe some of the others are also interested in having an accountability partner, or even starting a group.
Explore virtual communities. There are many possibilities to join accountability groups on-line. In addition to the writers’ accountability group, I’ve also joined an on-line course creators’ accountability group. It’s pure virtual. We chat and update each other in a closed Facebook group. In my perspective, it’s not as effective as the writers’ group, as we don’t have any live meetings. But, just because it’s not as effective to me, mustn’t mean that it’s not an option for you.
In general, the thought is that you have regular interactions where, depending on the set-up, you exchange your thoughts, struggles and actions. Not to forget, the accountability partner or group also celebrates your successes with you. Independent of how small they may seem in your eyes.
Can I break up with my accountability partner?
Of course you can! It is okay to change your mind. You don't need to commit to anyone for life. Be honest and say that it doesn't work for you.
Go ahead! Find that accountability partner or group and increase those odds of meeting your goals! It’s easier than winning on the lottery! Trust me. I've tried both.
