How To Have Accountability With Your Goals

I’m sure this happens to every one of us at some point in our lives. We set goals with very focused intentions. We set a couple of goals. It seems as though all is going as planned. We are working hard and following through daily to achieve those goals. We feel great! And we are motivated and proud!

Then time passes and we’re ready to quit. This is because suddenly, the goals feel too hard. We feel like we want to quit. And usually, that’s exactly what most people actually end up doing.

It doesn’t have to be this way! We must have a way of sticking to the goals we set for ourselves. The best way to do that is to add some sort of accountability.

How To Have Accountability With Your Goals

Accountability

Accountability means we are being held accountable for the goals we have set. It is a way of making ourselves accomplish those goals by keeping track of our progress as well as our fails. This isn’t easy, especially if you are doing it yourself.

You need to somehow build in some accountability. Any type of accountability will help. Tell a friend what goal you’re working towards. An even better option is to find an accountability partner that’s working on changing similar habits. Make a bet with your spouse that you can reach your goal by the beginning of July. Like I said, any type of accountability is better than no accountability.

Be Accountable To Yourself First

Before you consider a partner or a buddy, start by being accountable to yourself first. Write down your goals with this free SMART Goals Printable. Having them on paper makes them more concrete. It makes them real, not just an idea. Then find some way of being able to keep track of how you’re doing. You can keep a journal, or checklist and check things off as you accomplish them.

This teaches you to actually take the actions you need to, to achieve your goals. It makes those actions more important and mandatory. It will also help to develop some good habits. Check out my free resources page for a few goal-setting printables!

Keep A Goal Setting Journal

My personal favorite is to keep a goal journal. There’s just something about the act of having to write it down that keeps me on the straight and narrow. You can keep an accountability journal for any goal you make. Sign up for my Free Goal Setting Journal below this post for a free weekly printable planner and start being accountable for your goals now!

Here are some ideas for things you may want to record in your accountability journal:

• Your weight and/or body measurements.
• What you consume as food daily.
• Your physical activity each day.
• How many cigarettes you have smoked each day.
• Motivational events that help push you towards your goal.
• Anything that challenged you and how you overcame those things.
• Failures you met and how to avoid them in the future.
• Your daily mood?

Journaling Tips

The list above is just a simple list and by no means the only options. You must decide what works for you. If you’re the creative type, you can add printed images or pictures of what you’re working towards. Decorate your journal so you enjoy using it. Or, keep it simple. Use a plain leather-bound journal and your favorite pen. You can be as simple as an inexpensive dollar store notebook. Just get something that fits you. Many people use their daily planners.

Some people are not “writers”. That’s okay. Try just a few bullets of what you have done already. As you get more comfortable writing you can track more detailed information. It doesn’t have to be complicated. 

Don’t limit yourself to pen and paper. You can make a simple digital planner in Google Docs or Word.  You could even start a blog and write about your goals and tell stories of what works and what didn’t.  Or you may even be an inspiration to others through your writings!

Put It Out There In The Public View

Are you on social media? How about posting a pic of a goal you are working towards and a brief statement on Instagram. How about a Facebook Live video where you tell your new goals and plans to your followers? Tweet it! Just make it public.

Allow your readers and/or fans to follow you on your journey! Knowing people are watching what you do next or how you’re doing can be a great way to show accountability!

Be Accountable With Loved Ones

One of the best places and ways to share your goals is with those closest to you. Include your spouse or significant other in your goal plans. For example, if you are trying to lose weight, sharing this goal with your husband or wife may help you more than you know. The next time you go to grab that unhealthy snack, they may mention your goal and help influence you to eat more healthy. 

Your family and loved ones can help steer you closer to following your goals. This is especially true because they will become your cheerleaders. And having someone in your corner, cheering you on, makes accountability much easier.

Find An Accountability Buddy

The easiest way to stay motivated is to find someone with similar goals as you. They can become your accountability partner. The two of you can help build each other up when things are low. You can motivate each other. You can suggest different options for each other to make your goals easier to attain. 

This person will be your “Partner in Crime”. The two of you can work together on related goals and hold each other accountable.  Do you know someone that would be a perfect accountability partner for you? If not, here are some ideas for finding an accountability partner:

• Start by sharing with those closest to you your goals.
• See if someone shares that they have similar goals.
• Ask those closest to you if they know someone who is trying to accomplish the same things you are.

Double Your Chances Of Success

If you can’t find someone in your immediate circle of friends or loved ones, check online! There are so many groups and even forums for almost every topic you can imagine. Check within those groups for someone talking about the same goals you have. 

Take a class at your local college campus or join a sport. Think of places that like-minded people can be found. When you come across someone who shares your interests, ask them if they would like to be an accountability partner with you. 

You don’t have to stay local either. Look for apps on your phone that match your goals, like weight loss for instance, and check if that app has a networking function. Maybe an online community based on your goals are an option. Don’t limit yourself to one on one and face to face.

Benefits of Having An Accountability Partner

Having the accountability partner will keep you motivated to reach your goals. Your accountability will encourage you to do what you need to do. They can encourage you even when you don’t feel like doing what you should be. You can share helpful tips and hacks with each other. You can send inspirational images and quotes like I do on my Instagram page. Make a challenge for yourselves to see who gets further just make sure to keep it fun.

Your accountability partner will become one of your most valuable resources. They will be your support system. Having an accountability partner can help you reach success in all of the goals you have set. 

What are you doing to show accountability towards your goals?  Pick a few ideas from above and try them out. You might be pleasantly surprised how much being held accountable will keep you going towards achieving your goals! Make sure you sign up for my free Goal Setting Journal below!