Questioning My Own Bullshit: The Accountability Partner Experiment

Whenever the idea of an accountability partner came up, I always poo poo’d it. Every book you read recommends it, but for whatever reason, I always felt that wasn't for me. I guess I thought I didn’t need it. I could do it all on my own, right?

But recently, I decided to question my own bullshit. I thought, why not give it a try? Perhaps every book ever written on productivity and goals has a point? So, I reached out, found a partner, and we’ve committed to meeting weekly. Our first meeting was productive—we both gave each other some valuable insight, and it felt like we were really onto something.

Here’s our plan going forward to make sure this partnership is a win for both of us:

1. Setting Clear Goals: We’re not being vague—we’re getting specific about what we want to achieve and why it matters. This helps both of us understand what we’re aiming for and how we can hold each other accountable.
2. Regular Check-ins: We’re keeping it consistent. We’ve scheduled weekly check-ins that are on the calendar and non-negotiable. Knowing that I have that check-in motivates me to stay on track. There’s no hiding, no procrastinating—just progress.
3. Share Where You're Stuck: I'm not big on asking for help, there I said it. So sharing when I'm stuck is important (perhaps the most important) piece of the puzzle. Ironically, just the act of saying it out loud often helps break through, and even if it doesn't, the feedback you get will certainly help you gain clarity.
4. Celebrating Wins (Big and Small): This one is big for me. I have almost never celebrated—big or small. This is a topic in and of itself, but for now, I'm committed to celebrating (at least a little). We make it a point to celebrate our successes, no matter how small. Those little wins add up, and acknowledging them keeps the momentum going. It’s easy to overlook progress when you’re in the grind, but having someone else say, “Hey, you did that, and that’s awesome!” makes all the difference.**

If you’ve been resisting the idea of an accountability partner like I did, I encourage you to give it a shot. Find someone who aligns with your values, someone you trust, and commit to the process. You might just find that the extra support is exactly what you need to break through your own barriers. We all need a little help sometimes, and there’s no shame in that. In fact, it might just be the smartest move you make for your business and your personal growth.

I’d love to hear about your experience with accountability partners.  What’s worked, what hasn’t.