I recently started the 30 day writing challenge, and originally just asked people if they wanted to participate with me. I really did not think it would transform into an accountability group and a MONTHLY 30 day writing challenge!
Are you accountable?
Accountability is interesting. Originally I wrote about discipline and the commitment we make to ourselves. So many commented on how important the accountability to others is for them. I personally find accountability to self enough, so the comments were insightful to me. Most people want to feel accountable to something other than themselves, but do not want to be held accountable.
What does being in an accountability group or having an accountability partner mean to you?
For me it means someone who holds me accountable to a commitment I made. Simple enough. If I am asked to hold you accountable, that means that I am not there to rally behind when you fail. To sympathize with you when you did not make your commitment. I’m not there to support the excuse you have or the lie you tell yourself as to why you did not keep your commitment.
I am there to question why. To push you to get back on track. To challenge the excuses you might be telling yourself. I will be the accountability you will HATE at times.The accountability that calls you on your excuses and lies, and challenges you to get real with yourself. I will be the accountability that pisses you off, makes you mad, maybe even cry at times.
I will be accountability that you deserve. Because you are worth the commitment you made to yourself. To who you are. To the success you want to have. That is why I run the groups and do the work i do: told hold you accountable when you are not ready to hold yourself.
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Permission to kick my ass, make me cry, and call me on my crap is granted. I’ll only not like you for a second or two, then love you again for pushing me where I want to go.
Nope you didn’t piss me off with the post. I may have been pissed off in my moment of stamping my feet yesterday but if I ask for accountability I expect it. With some things accountability to myself is enough, with others I need a push. When I’m driven and REALLY want something I need no one but with other things I find the habit harder to develop so accountability is good. Thanks for the push
Louise Edington
Fabulous and Fearless
http://louiseedington.com
A coach is supposed to drive you harder than you drive yourself – but not do it for you. Your approach is not hand-holding, found that out early on! Pushing, challenging, calling one out on promises made automatically puts you in the “bad guy” light, but only if that’s the person’s perception of you. A spin on that would be, “she sees through me, I can’t lie to myself, so I might as well buck up and do what I said I would do.” Real women can take it, fake ones can’t.
A coach is supposed to drive you harder than you drive yourself – but not do it for you. Your approach is not hand-holding, found that out early on! Pushing, challenging, calling one out on promises made automatically puts you in the “bad guy” light, but only if that’s the person’s perception of you. A spin on that would be, “she sees through me, I can’t lie to myself, so I might as well buck up and do what I said I would do.” Real women can take it, fake ones can’t.
We don’t want to hear it, but it’s true. There is a difference between a support group and an accountability group. But even a support group needs to push you sometimes.
Sounds very reasonable to me, Ann. Too much hand holding going on these days in this world. We need more people willing to pour salt in the wound and bite the bullet when it hurts. Not real politically correct though, is it?
Ann,
Personal transformation is top priority in my life and business. It is challenging to keep myself on track and to get unstuck without support. I am looking for THIS exactly and recognize accountability is essential to take my health coaching practice to the next level. When I work with my clients I assist them to set up a support and accountability system that will help them create lasting lifestyle changes and I need it to. I feel blessed to be working with you and to be part of the tribe.
Blessings,
chris arcucci
Who says a woman can’t cultivate her super powers in a dress?!
http://www.MindfulLivingArts.com
It was interesting. When Emily (Jack’s 2nd grade teacher) was here, I would write my monthly goals on the white board and every day have to go in and mark progress. Being an ENTP I already know that if I can’t see it it doesn’t exist. So that worked. And, just having someone give me a high five when I closed at 5 figure deal, and a sideways glance when I was dilly dallying instead of picking up the phone to make sales calls was so crucial to my outcome. It didn’t matter that the partner was equal, above or below. Just a human to bounce ideas off of. And to hand me a fully charged phone as she walked out the door to take my kiddo to the park.
Excited to have you as an accountability partner in this challenge starting 9/1 – it is rare to find someone that holds you to your commitment and I love it! Interesting timing as I just had this conversation with a friend that had promised something and then was wavering – I asked, “Is this how it is?” I get it that sometimes life happens, but other than the unexpected, I like to know that when someone says they’re going to do something you can count on them!
Brandy 😉
What a great challenge to accountability. To stay in that place of the big picture—why have I asked someone to help me hold myself accountable in the first place. I love that you spell out how that can be uncomfortable, pushy, and yet present with my higher goals. You are making us all work it and I am grateful
It’s amazing how transformative it can be to have an accountability partner. I find it is a great strategy to use when I’m struggling with procrastination! For me personally, my daughter has secretly been my accountability partner. Ever since she was born, she has motivated me to be the best version of myself. Because I need to set a good example, because someone else is relying on me, because I want her to become everything she can, I have had to rise to the occasion and get after it!
Tanya
http://www.blog.TanyaBoggsPhotography.com
I think you hit the nail on the head. Some people want a co-dependent partner, not an accountability partner, which is doing them no favor. Also, if someone is committing to be your AP, then don’t let them down by getting mad when they hold up their end of the bargain. I would not want to let you down if you were mine.
Sharon Hiebing
Relocate Without Rose-Colored Glasses
This has been huge for me. Funny that I just ran across this now, as I have slacked lately, and just yesterday, sent an accountability email to my internet mastermind/accountability partner.
Just making that commitment helps, as I have noticed myself a bit more indecisive since not checking in, and being a bit less productive.
WOW! This post was SO on time. I have three friends and a husband that are PUSHING me to the top. Actually, we all had a meeting last night about the next steps for my business and I must admit that I was in TEARS. It hurts, its uncomfortable but they see and believe in the business and in me. I know that it will all pay off in the end…..accountability is a MUST when in business. Thank you Ann.
I am so glad you have these people in your life!
That ‘why not’ is a gold mine of information when either I or others don’t live up to goals or expectations. It seems that is when limiting beliefs show up and those little devils can often run the show. So failing is actually a great time of learning for me. But you need someone there to ask those really important questions!
Yes, I can lie to myself…but…I cannot lie to Ann! 😀