Tuesday March 11, 2008 #17
This week, I’ll finish the series on overcoming that which blocks us from making progress on our goals.
“If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.”
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Block #6: Lacking an accountability partner.
Today’s quote from Goethe comes from the signature file of my close friend and business coach MKR. I thought it was perfect for emphasizing my point in today’s JAM.
You can be immensely talented, with well-crafted goals and a true desire to succeed – and you can still struggle with goal attainment. Why? Often the one thing we lack is an “accountability partner.” The role of an accountability partner is to keep us on track and kick us in the behind when needed. They can be a co-worker, a close friend, a spouse, a coach, or a mentor. No matter who they are, you must trust them completely, share your goals with them, and ask them to hold you accountable to your goals; provide you with unedited feedback and kick you in the behind if needed.
Most of the people in our life “treat us as we are”, which may feel OK, but does nothing to push us to what we are “capable of becoming”. Find that partner who will treat you as you “ought to be” and watch your achievement soar!
You may be able to reach your goals eventually without an accountability partner, but why not supercharge your efforts with a partner? The relationship can also be reciprocal, where you help your partner be accountable to their goals as well.
Your assignment: If you don’t yet have an accountability partner, get one! If you don’t have someone in your life who you feel comfortable asking to take on this role, you might consider a business coach.