(2 minute read)
“When performance is measured, performance improves.
When performance is measured and reported, the rate of improvement accelerates.”
(Thomas S. Monson)
It’s probably no surprise that when left to our own devices on a project or task, we can soften in our enthusiasm for seeing it through to completion. This phenomenon even has its own mantra; ‘You’ll either find a way, or you’ll find an excuse.’
In fact, research by the Journal of Clinical Psychology uncovered that approximately 54% of people who resolve to change their ways fail to make the transformation last beyond six months!
Based upon the findings of this research, it’s apparent that knowing what to do is not the issue, committing to it, and persevering through to completion is!
“To be accountable, all you need is a clear goal and a willingness to let others help you achieve it.”
(Anita Chaudhuri)
An ‘accountability buddy’ is someone you can partner with to help you stay on-track and achieve your goals – personal or professional. They provide support, encouragement, and can help you create and monitor your goal plan. It’s like having a coach who helps you stay motivated and accountable for your commitments.
Benefits of engaging an accountability buddy:
- Increased motivation & commitment: Having another individual invested in your success can help keep you motivated.
- Improved focus and productivity: Regular check-ins can help you stay on-track and avoid distractions.
- Greater sense of achievement: Having another person to celebrate your successes can make your goals feel more enjoyable and attainable.
- Stronger relationships: Working towards a common goal can establish and strengthen bonds between you and your buddy.
In further support of the integral value of an accountability buddy, one US study found that you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you tell someone else of your commitment. And if you have scheduled check-ins with a partner, your chance of success skyrockets to 95%.
When you are accountable to another person or a group for doing what you said you would do, you increase your chance of success, simply because you engage the power of ‘social expectations’ (think of this as a form of positive peer pressure).
Build an accountability strategy into your next big challenge or goal and enjoy the difference it makes!