Hold Yourself Accountable

Last week we focused on staying motivated and finding an accountability partner.

In today’s post, I’d like to tell you about something I’ve been doing to hold myself accountable.

Yes, I’ve had accountability partners in the past. It’s my preferable way to go but sometimes it takes time finding one that’s a great match.

I tried this alternative way last year, and so far, so good.

At the beginning of each week, I take a sheet of paper and write down what I want to achieve in the next five days. I leave space between each one…I’ll tell you why in a minute.

Fold the paper in half or thirds and slip it inside an envelope. Put the envelope in a drawer or in a file and leave it there until you’re done with work for the week.

On Friday evenings, I open the envelope and go through my list. Checking what got done and what didn’t.

For the what gone items, I make a quick note why I was able to achieve them. Then I turn my attention to what didn’t get done and in the space I left between each one, I try to figure out why I struggle with this particular thing.

Sometimes, it’s a simple response like I ran out of time.

Sometimes it’s an honest response, just couldn’t get motivated enough, which in that case, takes me down another path of my ‘why’. Is my lack of motivation connected to me not really having my heart set on doing this?

Or it could be there was a learning curve involved and I need to devote more time than just five days to getting it done.

You’d be surprised how much more you can get done and the self analysis aspect is almost like having someone else try to figure out why you’re not meeting your goals.

Give it a try and see how it works for you.