Each of us has a unique life story; a series of events, situations, and lessons that brought us to this point. As such, some of us have discovered the power of accountability while others have not.
This is not a criticism for those who haven’t, of course. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. So where it might be quite easy for one to take responsibility for his or her actions, it can be terribly complicated for another.
Whatever the case, learning how to be accountable is an incredibly valuable life skill. And if often requires an accountability partner.
What Does Accountability Look Like?
Accountability can be applied in one of two ways.
If you’re someone with strong internal accountability, you’re able to set goals, take them seriously, and commit to executing them on your own. You’re also capable of recognizing your own shortcomings in achieving those goals and taking responsibility for setbacks rather than blaming others.
For all but a precious few, attaining this sort of internal accountability takes a lot of work.
External accountability, on the other hand, works off the idea that many of us better achieve goals when we have not just ourselves to whom to be accountable. Therefore, we rely on someone to be our accountability partner. He or she holds us responsible for sticking with our goals and there are consequences if we don’t.
The Power of Accountability
There are examples of accountability partnering abound.
For example, someone trying to lose weight might turn to Weight Watchers or Noom. They become part of a group that serves as an accountability partner (or partners, in this case). Group members check in with goals and weekly weigh-ins and can participate in group chat about how to keep moving toward their goals.
Sometimes artists will seek out friends to become accountability partners of sorts. For example, a painter who commits to spending two hours at the easel each day or a writer who wants to complete 1000 words every day will be more compelled when they have to report in with their friend at the end of the day.
Even going to the chiropractor can be an example. If he or she gives you exercises to complete, you may prefer to skip them and watch TV instead. But when you consider the fact that the chiropractor will know you didn’t – not to mention the pain you continue to experience and the visits you’ll have to keep making – it can be very motivating.
Life coaching also works on the principle of accountability partnering.
The Power of Accountability With a Life Coach
If you’re not entirely familiar with what a life coach is, you’re not alone.
Many people confuse life coaching with therapy. It’s quite a different animal though. Where therapy deals with looking in the rearview mirror and healing past traumas that are affecting your everyday living, life coaching is purely about looking ahead.
When you enlist the services of a life coach, he or she will ask you questions. Not just any questions though. Your coach has been trained to pose specific questions that allow you to see that you don’t merely have answers. You discover that you have THE answers.
Eventually, you recognize that you already know what needs to be done. From there, you and your coach formulate a plan and set some goals.
Should you not meet those goals, for whatever reason, your life coach is the person to whom you’re accountable. He or she will not only help you get back on track but will also be the person with whom you celebrate your successes.
Why Life Coaching Works
There are myriad reasons why having an accountability partner such as a life coach is so effective.
First, most of us do better when we know we’re being observed. If you’ve ever had a job where you knew the boss was watching while you did it, you more than likely put on your best show. Knowing you have to report back to someone ushers in the same results.
Plus, when we know we have someone “relying” on us to follow through and complete a project, we don’t want to disappoint them. Furthermore, we know that we’ll be able to celebrate with them when we do meet those goals. This also creates motivation.
In addition, a life coach records and measure your results and encourages you to reflect on your success all along the way. You see clearly when you reach milestones and understand that they’re possible. Plus, setting deadlines with an accountability partner such as a life coach helps you to make the best use of your time.
Finally, there’s something to be said about receiving honest feedback to keep you from wandering away from your goals and breaking the chain of unconsciously making the same mistakes over and over again.
It’s Time to Conquer Those Goals!
Are you looking to take advantage of the power of accountability? Contact us today to find out how our life coaching services could help you clarify and meet goals. We can even come to your place of work.
No, it won’t help you with troubles from childhood, but it will give you clear-cut answers and solutions to the current issues in your life. Plus, it’s uncomplicated, straightforward, and effective.
Not much you can say that about anymore.
