Accountability is an asset that can be hard to measure. It can be easily devalued when you have never experienced true accountability. When you have no one walking the line with you, it can be so easy to let things slip.
It would be very easy to do the things that are easy, avoiding the key components that will truly make a difference.
A client said to me before, I am used to letting myself down, but I don’t want to let you down.
This was the first time, where I really saw someone appreciate the true value accountability.
He noted holding myself to your standard is what is driving me on.
I don’t want to face you without doing the work after promising I would do it. Self Sabotage is a real thing. We can easily let ourselves down if we don’t truly believe we are worth it, don’t believe we can achieve it.
As a coach I know the value of accountability. I have walked that line with and without it. It’s better with someone on your side, with nothing to really gain by your success.
Accountability is like that third voice inside your head. You have one side saying, be good.
Eat clean, do your training program today, the other voice is saying. One missed session won’t hurt.
It will be fine, sure what’s one missed session, No one will know. You can do it tomorrow.
These voices battle with each-other. More often than not, the easy more comfortable choice will win.
It’s common we are designed to be comfortable, so don’t beat yourself up over it. It is time though recognise you need support to bridge that gap you want to achieve.
Insert back up, the accountability voice. What will coach say?
What will next weeks metrics say? What will you do when you have to put your feet to the fire, when progress is not being made.
We call that back up at times to ‘kick lazy and comfortable’ in the ass.
This will lead to more consistent behaviour, and in turn will lead to action, that leads to results.
Results will drive motivation. Motivation that is continually topped up, will form new found habit.
Topped up motivation leads to sustainability.
You can see the downstream effect here.
Sustainability leads to compounding returns, that will eventually lead to achievement.
Many people fail to accomplish anything in life, if truth is to be told.
Many will fall short because they lacked the support, guidance and accountability to get them over the line.
I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew, I have a habit of getting project projects 90% of the way.
I will do all the hard work. As hard as I may try, I struggle to get things to completion.
To try and articulate the frustration this can bring to me and others who maybe reliant on me can be crippling.
I’m not alone my activist personality friends will understand, it’s very common in CEOs and visionary thinking people.
The key is to be aware and get the right support around you.
Insert mentor, insert coach and now things start to happen. Holding me accountable to do the things I said I would do and that’s when the rubber starter to meet the road.
Projects start to get completed, less projects are added to the plate. The work quality improved. This change would never have happened unless accountability was applied.
If you are sick of not making progress it’s time to break your current pattern.
If you need that support. Find a coach and pay for accountability. Find that missing the link to strengthening your chain.
My advice, is do your research. Find the right accountability tool that works for you.
A coach is best, but you can start with a friend, an app or something to keep you focused.
Motivation will go up and down, action with accountability will lead to results.
You deserve to accomplish your goals in your life, don’t settle, aim high, shoot for the stars and see where you finish up
I can’t guarantee you will achieve all you want, but you will never know unless you really give yourself the best shot.
Gary