How can you hold yourself accountable for achieving your goals?

The true purpose of a goal is not to get something, but what you become in the process of achieving it. In this sense, setting the right type of goal is critical. We can set 3 types of goals A, B, and C. An A-type goal is goal that you've already achieved in the past - there would be no growth in this. A B-type is a goal that you haven't achieved in the past but assess that it would be possible with current resources - this creates sideways movement but not growth. A C-type goal is the goal that you really want to go for. It's the big one - the thing you really want! Often you will not know how it is going to be possible in the beginning. But this is the type of goal that is going to cause you to stretch and grow.

To ensure accountability in reaching your objectives, clarity is essential. Clearly outline your aspirations . Documenting your intentions not only serves as a reminder but also as a commitment tool. Breaking these larger objectives into actionable steps can facilitate consistent progress. Proper goal-setting provides direction, keeps one aligned, and fosters a sense of accomplishment with each milestone reached.

Before committing to a goal, do a little "soul searching," until you land squarely on your, "Why." If it's for any reason that doesn't begin and end with it being personally satisfying for YOU, take some time to consider if it's truly a goal worth pursuing. Goals are harder to fulfill (or maintain once you achieve them) when they're not personally satisfying. If you're doing it for the external validation or expectation of someone else, you may find yourself surprisingly ambivalent or unenthused about your goal-setting, even if you succeed in hitting the mark. ??

Accountability is keeping our word to self and to others. In order to stay accountable and come through on our commitments, we need to : a. Have a vision of what we are setting out to achieve b. Be clear on the benefits of doing so c. Create goals that are aligned to our vision and values d. Have a clear action plan to achieve the goals e. Feel committed and motivated to chase them f. Be mindful of habitual traits and behaviours that are likely to derail us and seek required support g. Acknowledge progress no matter how small and use the quick wins to stay on track h. Prioritize time and energy and focus on things that matter most i. Lastly, view our progress or the lack of it with compassion while avoiding self judgements and labels.

Having clear goals begins with starting small. We all have an overarching goal that we want to achieve, but I always remind my clients that each goal needs to be broken down into practical and realistic micro-goals. By having bite-sized actionable steps, you are more inclined to incorporate them into your daily routine. Small steps in the right direction are easier to navigate and attain. In addition, they offer a more flexible approach to climbing your way onwards and upwards!

Telling others about what you want to achieve can be a powerful tool for staying on track. When you let someone know your plans, it feels like you've made a promise. Having someone ask about your progress or cheer you on can really push you forward. It's like having a teammate in your corner.

Also, make sure you have regular dedicated catch-ups, even 5 minute phone calls, so they can check-in with you. They might want to support you badly, but also have a life of their own to manage and it could slip.

While sharing goals can offer support, it exposes them to external influence. Others, despite good intentions, carry biases that can skew feedback. Discussing a plan can trigger neurotransmitters, giving a false sense of accomplishment without action potentially reducing motivation. By keeping goals private, you shield them from unsolicited advice. There’s value in silently pursuing ambitions, being free from others’ opinions, and staying true to your unique path and vision.

Accountability buddies are a great way to keep you on track ?? When you have someone to "hold your hand" along the way, it makes the process easier. You have someone who you can share your highs and lows with, and in turn, they can offer you that boost of motivation that you need to get over the obstacles that may arise. Alongside this, you will have another person/group of people to help you measure your progress. As they are not actively partaking in your, they will offer a more objective approach, which in turn may help you think about your actionable steps with a rational mind.

In my experience, vocalizing my goals to others has been a game-changer. Sharing aspirations not only solidifies my commitment but also creates a network of accountability. I often turn to close friends, mentors, or even dedicated peer groups. By doing so, I'm not just seeking validation but inviting constructive feedback and diverse perspectives. This external input often provides fresh insights and challenges my thought process. However, it's crucial to choose individuals who uplift, understand, and respect my journey. Their positive reinforcement, combined with occasional reality checks, ensures I remain grounded and focused on my path. This approach has consistently amplified my motivation and resilience in the face of challenges.

Keeping an eye on how you're doing helps you stay on course. Think of it like a roadmap. If you're traveling to a new place, you'd check the map often, right? It's the same with goals. By seeing where you are and where you've been, you can make sure you're heading in the right direction.

Another perspective is to track your emotional progress. A good question is "how much I have achieved at the end of the day?" And a better question is "how I want to feel at the end of the day?". The emotional side of any goal is the inevitable part of that goal.

One fundamental point here (as it is for the goal itself), is to write it down. Thinking about it isn't enough! There are plenty of journals dedicated to that, and you can also do it in a plain notebook. but writing it down will make a massive differnece. depending on your personality you might want to set a reward for achieving a milestone or a goal, or a punishment for not doing it. If you are competitive you can also get a buddy who is also working towards a goal (doesn't have to be the same) and have a little competition: the one who achieves will offer the other their reward.

One of the easiest ways to track your progress is with a habit tracker. This could be daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or even yearly - depending on the need. To increase your chances of fulfilling your goals/task it is good to set a token of motivation, a reward of some kind. It does not have to be something BIG, but it does have to be something that will get you in gear ??

From my perspective, consistently tracking and reviewing your goals is pivotal. It's like setting a GPS for a journey; you need to know where you are to navigate where you're heading. By documenting your progress, whether in a journal, an app, or even a simple checklist, you gain clarity on your strides and stumbles. It's essential to carve out moments, be it daily or monthly, to reflect on this journey. Recognize the milestones you've crossed and the challenges faced. And remember, every achievement, big or small, deserves a celebration. Rewarding yourself not only boosts morale but also reinforces the commitment to your goals. This ritual of tracking and reflection has been a cornerstone in many success stories I've witnessed.

I follow the 4As of coaching with my clients. The last of which is Accountability. This is where we look into the potential barriers that could come in the way of taking action and sticking to our goals. Wr walk through them in advance so we can set up the right environment and tools to set ourselves up for success.

Drawing from my insights, curating a supportive environment is paramount for goal realization. Think of it as tending a garden; for plants to thrive, you must weed out the negatives and nurture the positives. Start by identifying and sidelining distractions or negative influences that could derail your focus. Simultaneously, amplify elements that bolster your journey, be it the right tools, resources, or sources of inspiration. It's not just about the physical space; ensure your mental and emotional realms are also aligned with your aspirations. Remember, when your surroundings resonate with your goals, the path to success becomes more intuitive and less strenuous.

Hell yes to this! AND creating a supportive environment is an INSIDE job. That is, you've got to deal with that inner critic/mean girl voice inside your head. If you do this ONE thing right now, I am certain you'll reach your goal faster and have more fun on the way: DECIDE to stop being mean to yourself. It is actually a decision (I should know, I did it for years to myself). Here's how: Right now, decide that any time you become aware of a critical voice in your head, you're no longer going to listen. And, you're going to talk back. (Note, your inner critic voice might not scream or be loud. Lots of us brilliant women have insidiously "reasonable" sounding inner critics). Would you say it to a child? If not, it's critical & not helpful.

Support starts on the inside. Work on repeating positive narratives to yourself on why you want to make this change and who you are becoming - and be quick to give yourself grace if you fall short. We all do - and what we say to ourselves when we do matters.

In my experience, especially while wearing the hat of a productivity coach and a dad to a baby boy, holding oneself accountable is a continuous journey. I've learned that getting really clear on what I want to achieve helps a ton. Mistakes? I've made a fair share of them. But instead of dwelling on them, I try to see what they've taught me, tweaking my approach for the next time. Life, particularly with a little one, is anything but predictable. The trick is to not beat yourself up about it, but ask "What can I learn from this?" and just roll with it. Because, at the end of the day, bouncing back from these little bumps is what gets us closer to our goals.

We all have a natural goal-achieving mechanism installed as default. It's called the subconscious mind. It works through feedback, much like the navigation on an airplane. If a plane starts to go off course it will correct its trajectory and bring it back, but it has to be moving. It's much the same with us, as we move towards our goals, the subconscious mind will naturally course correct through feedback, giving us ideas, hunches, and inspirations. This is what keeps us moving in the right direction. The important thing to keep in mind is that the subconscious mind must have a goal to work towards and we install this through visualising the outcome that we want to achieve.

From my vantage point, embracing mistakes and setbacks is integral to personal growth. Every journey, no matter how meticulously planned, will have its bumps. Instead of viewing these as failures, I see them as invaluable lessons. When faced with a setback, I pause and reflect: What led to this? How can I pivot for better outcomes? This introspection, coupled with a growth mindset, transforms challenges into stepping stones. It's about shifting the narrative from "I failed" to "I learned." By adopting this perspective, not only do you foster resilience, but you also pave the way for continuous improvement and evolution.

But getting help from those further along the path can accelerate your progress. Recognize backslides and setbacks as part of the journey. Professionals can help reframe stumbles as opportunities for growth. View the cost of professional help as an investment in yourself and your potential. The long-term dividends are invaluable. Use professional support as an enhancement, not replacement, for your own internal drive.

Getting help from an expert is a great way to accelerate the process of goal achievement. We all suffer from perceptual blind spots and limiting beliefs that can hold us back. Having someone who can guide and support you as you leave your comfort zone, can be a valuable asset in your efforts to achieve your goals.

Not all issues require coaching as intervention for progress. Great coaches know when it's time to refer their clients for other suitable interventions.

I agree. A life coach can not only provide you with the support you deserve. It will also make the experience way more fun, easier, and faster. But please note that is only if you work with someone you truly click with and feel safely challenged with. (Yup, this former English teacher just ended a sentence with a preposition).

Depending on the goal you're working on, you might need extra help in the form of a coach. A coach will help you: - introduce clarity - stay focused - remain realistic - have a practical approach in planning and executing on your goal A coach is really an accountability partner that'll shed light on your blind spot(s) and help you develop the right mindset, qualities, and skills required to achieve your goals.

Celebrate your success, once achieving your desired outcome celebrate it, this creates feel good factors such as serotonin and creates a feeling of reward and momentum.????

Here's the question you need to ask yourself before you ask how you will hold yourself accountable: What is my level of my commitment?

One simple yet effective way to hold yourself accountable for your goals is by reading a goal card daily. In my own experience, reading my goals card each night before bed made a significant impact. It's a constant reminder of what you’re working towards. The science behind this is it reinforces your commitment, keeps your goals fresh in your mind, and subconsciously works to keep you motivated and focused. By consistently reminding yourself of your goals, you’re more likely to make decisions aligned with achieving them during the day. Give it a try. Your brain loves repetition.

The strongest agreement is the one you make with yourself. When is comes to personal growth and development you are in charge of the entire process from the desire to change and goal setting to accountability and final outcome. Realising that you, as individual, are in full control of the narrative, is the starting point of any meaningful transformation.