New Year’s Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means: It’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. Did you know that only eight percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions? If you’re amongst the majority of people that don’t, it might be time to find an accountability buddy!
What Is an Accountability Buddy?
You probably have someone that you talk to about your life goals, big dreams, or just things you’re hoping to do in the near future. But do you have a friend that will have your back and push you to achieve those goals? If so, you might have an accountability buddy!
What Is Accountability?
Even if you can have the best of intentions, you may still fall short in the execution of your goals. Think about all the times you’ve promised yourself you would stick to a healthy diet, a consistent exercise routine, or some other life improvement goal. We usually know what we need to do to improve our lives. So why don’t we all just do it?
Accountability is a pretty simple concept. It means that when you say you’re going to do something, you’re required or expected to follow through. People respond to two different kinds of accountability: internal and external. Internal accountability refers to your own ability to hold yourself responsible for meeting your goals, regardless of the difficulties involved. External accountability means something outside of yourself, like a person or a consequence, compels you to be accountable for your actions. Some people do just fine with internal accountability as their only motivation. However, most people respond better when there’s also an external force pushing them to meet their commitments.
People often beat themselves up for not being able to meet their goals, but that isn’t productive! Instead, you should consider what you need to be successful. If you’re someone who sets good goals but struggles on the follow-through, you may be a person who needs external accountability to get things done. In other words, you need an accountability buddy!
What Does an Accountability Buddy Do?
An accountability buddy is someone who listens to your goals and provides encouragement and support to help you reach those goals. For example, if you want to get in shape, you could tell your accountability buddy that you’re aiming to exercise at least three times a week. Then, you’ll want to check in with your accountability buddy regularly to share your progress. If things are going well, your accountability buddy will be your personal cheering section, rooting for you every time you tie up your sneakers and hit a new exercise class. If things aren’t going well, your accountability buddy can gently remind you why you committed to your goals and help you create a new plan of attack. And remember, this isn’t a one-sided relationship. You will also need to be your friend’s sounding board and offer them support as they pursue their own goals.
An accountability buddy should be someone you trust and respect, someone who you feel comfortable sharing your goals with, and someone who will be willing to check in with you to make sure those goals are being met. Many successful people credit their accountability buddies as key parts of their success.
How Do I Get Started?
First off, find the right buddy! You might think that you both need to be working toward the same goals, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Having a relationship based on mutual respect and encouragement is much more important. Experts agree that the best accountability buddies express genuine support and interest for their buddies to meet their goals. They’re also trustworthy, positive, and give good advice. If you have someone like this in your life, you might have a great candidate for an accountability buddy.
Once you’ve found your buddy, it’s time to work on the accountability! Regularly share your goals and progress with your accountability buddy, and encourage them to do the same. Prioritize each other’s success by making time to discuss your progress, and brainstorm strategies to improve. And most importantly, celebrate those big successes. You did it together!
____
Finding the right accountability buddy could be the key to meeting your hard-to-hit goals next year. So, go ahead and make that New Year’s Resolution. Just don’t make it alone!
Are you looking for a community that provides a positive, healthy atmosphere where you can live out your golden years? The Shores of Lake Phalen is an assisted living community in a quiet, peaceful environment in Maplewood, Minnesota. We offer numerous health and safety amenities, fun events and activities, a friendly and accommodating staff, and so much more. Schedule a tour of the community to explore our spacious apartments, elegant dining room, and more. We look forward to hearing from you!