A Hack to Boost Productivity and Build Healthy Habits: Tapping into Your Virtual Assistants' Power as Accountability Partners
Magdaline Njoroge
Virtual Assistant | Data Management Expert with 50,000+ Entries Processed | AI Trainer & Data Annotator | Proven Writing & Research Skills | BSc in Applied Mathematics | Lifelong learner
If we are to describe today's world, it is fast-paced. It is a good thing, but at the same time, it might be tough for some individuals as they struggle to maintain productivity and achieve their goals. One way they have achieved this is by adopting health habits that align with their goals. Research shows that most professionals, above 50%, agree that healthy habits are among the most critical factors that play a role in their success.
We can agree that forming habits can be cruel and challenging, but once you have developed some and brought some structure into your life, things become easier and manageable – setting you up for success. With strong habits, you can do what you are supposed to at the right time and moment, leading to success. ?
However, if you can't assume healthy habits independently, accountability is necessary to keep you on track. Accountability is doing what you said you would do at the time you said you would. Along the accountability lines, three different kinds of people apply distinct approaches to achieve accountability and, ultimately, good habits. Some people rely on their strengths and abilities to maintain healthy habits, while others tap into accountability partners' power.
Even with the above options, some individuals might find it difficult and unsustainable to help maintain a track. If that is the case, they can tap into the third option – leveraging the power of a Virtual Assistant (VA) as their accountability partners to boost their productivity and develop new and healthy habits. This approach enhances productivity and helps individuals understand their behavior patterns, crucial for lasting changes in habits.
Advantages of using your Virtual Assistant as an Accountability Partner
Virtual Assistants come with two significant advantages: Holding you accountable for completing your priorities and tasks. Secondly, they are available to help you with those repetitive and tedious tasks that might drag you back from focusing on what truly matters in your success. In both situations, you will have someone who understands your goals and vision and is there to help you reach them.
As a Virtual Assistant working as an accountability partner to a part-time client, I have witnessed and understood the power of using a VA to your advantage – becoming an accountability partner. Based on the feedback from my client, my observation, and detailed research that I have conducted, here are some of the advantages that you are set to enjoy when you use your VA as your Accountability partner. Or when you hire a VA exclusively to become your accountability partner:
?? Enhanced Motivation: Knowing someone monitors your progress can significantly boost your commitment to your goals. This shared responsibility transforms individual tasks into collective objectives, reducing procrastination.
During our weekly check-in, my client would tell me that when conversing with his wife, he would check on the time and say, "Magda is about to ask me if I worked out and finished the major task I was set to work on." So, to avoid the guilt of saying, "No, I haven't done that," he would go ahead and work out and work on his tasks.
?? Improved Habit Formation: Working with a VA every day and discussing your day and what was done and what was not can help identify patterns in behavior that may hinder productivity. Therefore, by analyzing these patterns, the VA can suggest actionable strategies for change (Like I did), making developing new, positive habits easier.
For instance, we talked with him last weekend, and he indicated that he could not complete an important project on Wednesday. He decided to carry the work home from the office. I kept nagging him to complete the task throughout the weekend, but couldn't. When discussing it, we realized that that happens a lot – thinking he can set some time aside during the weekend to perform office work. He didn't know of the existence of this pattern until I pointed it out. We decided that from now on, no work should be carried home!
?? Objective Perspective: VAs are external partners. This is an advantage to the client and the VA as they can provide unbiased feedback and insights into performance. This objectivity can help identify areas needing improvement without the emotional baggage often accompanying self-assessment. I have tapped into this when brainstorming with the client on the areas to improve, especially getting distracted while at work.
?? Structured Reminders and Check-Ins: In this arrangement, it is essential to establish a consistent cadence for reminders, and check-ins are vital.
In my case, my first "Good morning" text goes to my client at 6 am. This is because his day supposedly starts at 6 am, and I have to text to confirm that he is awake and ready to tackle the tasks ahead. The other text goes out at around 8 am, where I check on his morning routine progress, including working out and getting to the office on time. When things go against what was planned, I ensure that we find the reason for that and work to eliminate it.
Therefore, VAs can create customized schedules that align with what motivates you most effectively, ensuring you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
To maximize the benefits of having a VA as an accountability partner, consider the following steps:
?? Define Clear Objectives: Outline specific goals you want to achieve and share them with your VA. For example, my client created a spreadsheet outlining the habits he wants to accomplish this month. Besides each habit, there is a check box showing whether it was accomplished. The document was then shared with me, where I added some visualization, including a trend graph, a percentage counter of the day's progress, and a daily reflection tab. I told my client that the tab would help me and me understand why a specific task was not accomplished. At the end of the week, we review everything and try to identify a pattern. Hence, such an approach and clarity allow VAs to tailor their support effectively.
?? Establish Communication Protocols: Decide how often you will check in with each other and through which platforms (e.g., video calls, messaging apps). We do it through WhatsApp and Messenger for text messaging and Google Meet for our weekly meetings. Regular communication is essential for maintaining accountability.
?? Encourage Open Feedback: It is essential to foster an environment where you and your VA feel comfortable providing honest feedback. This dialogue is crucial for growth and improvement. My client ensured that no dynamics between us would hinder open feedback. He always says that it is important to tell him whatever I think.
?? Celebrate Milestones: It is important to recognize achievements along the way. Sharing successes with your VA reinforces positive behavior and strengthens your partnership.
Roles of a Virtual Assistant as an Accountability Partner
A virtual assistant can take on various roles that significantly contribute to an individual's productivity. Here are some key functions they can fulfill:
?Conclusion
Incorporating a virtual assistant as an accountability partner can profoundly impact productivity and personal growth. By leveraging their skills in goal setting, task management, and objective feedback, individuals can gain valuable insights into their habits while achieving their desired outcomes. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, embracing such innovative partnerships may be the key to unlocking our full potential. If you would love to explore such an arrangement further, reach out. I am open to more clients.
By understanding our patterns and receiving consistent support, we can make meaningful changes that lead to sustained productivity and success in both personal and professional realms.
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