The Keys to Finding an Accountability Partner

You can’t just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. Your accountability partner can be the difference between the two. When you state your goals aloud to someone, it sparks a fire under your butt to get started on them instead of putting them off for the 10th time. Just like writing things down, there’s power in speaking things into existence.

The relationship between you and an accountability partner is a vulnerable one. You’re trusting someone with your vision(s) and allowing them to see you throughout the struggles. You’re also opening the floor for your partner to be a tough critic if there ever comes a time when you want to quit or give up. 

Vulnerability comes a very special opportunity to make achieving your goals seem less grueling, lonely, and time-consuming. If you don’t like learning about finances, but you’re making it a goal to get a budget together, an accountability partner comes in handy when you need someone to complain to or bounce ideas off of. 

Let’s jump into the ways you can actually find the right accountability partner for you.

1. Make sure you’re both on the same page.

It’s important for you to set clear intentions when it comes to your work relationship and how you want your partner to be of help. Do you want a weekly check-in to keep track of your actionable items?  Do you only want them to keep you accountable for one specific goal/project? 

The more information your partner knows, the more stable the relationship. Remember this partnership is meant to benefit you at the end of the day. You should take control, especially in the beginning stages of your goal-setting. Once you both establish an agreement and are on the same page, maintain constant communication to make sure your crossing off those goals from your list.  

2. Find someone like-minded. 

Maybe you’re a visual person who appreciates art over running lists of goals. When you find a partner who enjoys the same, it can make for a more impactful relationship. Instead of creating a bullet point list of where you want to be in the next month or year, goal-setting can look like creating a vision board together. In a way your partner is like a walking vision board, since they’re constantly reminding you of the visual life you want to lead. 

An accountability partner who has similar values/mindset to you can even create a less one-sided relationship and more of a collaboration. Just because your partner is there to help keep you on track of your goals, doesn’t mean you can’t do the same for them. Now you can work side-by-side on each other’s visions and become an unstoppable duo. This person may have contacts you are looking for to grow your business, or maybe they’re familiar with a topic that you’re struggling with. When those resources become available to you, achieving your visions won’t seem so unrealistic. 

3. Don’t look for a “yes” (wo)mxn.

There’s no room for growth if you keep throwing excuses at your accountability partner. But if there comes a time when you do, your partner should be strong enough to push back while pushing you forward. 

A sign of a great accountability partner is someone who isn’t afraid to call you out when you’re falling off the beaten path. It may be frustrating at first, but when you start seeing results and those small triumphs coming to fruition, you will have their constant pushing to thank. 
Listen to Seriously Though’s 3rd podcast episode where you can learn even more about how to accomplish your financial and personal goals with someone who keeps you accountable.