Another reason for failing is lack of accountability. Did you know that we get up to 8 times more done when we are accountable? We seem to rise up to the occasion and get that little extra out of ourselves. The easiest way to demonstrate that is with physical exercise. If we do them alone, we usually find plenty of reasons (excuses) to do less than we had planned to but when there is someone else who holds us accountable, who supports and encourages us, we will run that extra mile even if when we think we can’t take another step.

Isn’t it ironical that that last mile is what gets you the best results? As in the gym where the last reps help you grow the most in terms of muscle growth and strength, it is the same with achieving your goals. So when you have a big goal, a dream, get yourself someone who will hold you accountable. Make sure it is someone who also has big goals, someone that is supportive of you and your ideas and has some of their own.

But accountability also means being “strict” with each other about keeping the commitments. With strict I mean with great integrity. You’ll have to agree on the rewards and punishments which you give yourself depending whether you do your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. It goes without saying that if you cheat, you will only cheat yourself. It makes no real difference to anybody else.

Be aware not to take on too much. When I first used an accountability partner, I gave her a list an arm long just with my daily and weekly tasks. To complete them on a regular basis was only wishful thinking and far from reality which got both of us pretty frustrated. Therefore set daily and weekly goals that are achievable and a stretch. It is important to find a good balance – not too easy and not too overwhelming.  Now I have 5 daily to do things, 2 that I do 5 times a week and 5 that I do weekly. That is more than enough and on some days a great challenge in itself.

When you are really serious with your accountability than make both – you and your accountability partner – responsible for achieving each others goals which means when you fail, the other person also has to accept the rewards and punishment of their partner i.e. do 50 push ups when the partner has failed to complete their tasks of the day.  For me that works great and gets me some physical exercise 🙂