A Personal Journey to Getting Things Done

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you're cheering someone on, showering them with words of encouragement, only to find that weeks, months, maybe even years later, nothing has changed? I certainly have.

There's a warmth to being supportive, a kind of emotional blanket we wrap around those we care about. But here's the thing: I've come to realise that if we want to see real, tangible progress, whether in ourselves or others, support needs a partner: accountability.

Reflecting on my own experiences, both as the supporter and the supported, I've noticed a pattern. "You can do it," "I believe in you," "Take your time,"—these phrases, while uplifting, often lack the nudge towards action. It's akin to standing at the edge of a diving board, with everyone below telling you it's okay to jump, yet nobody mentions the fact that you actually have to make the leap yourself.

Accountability, I discovered, is not the opposite of support; it's its truest expression.

Let me share a story. A close friend of mine was embarking on a career transition, something they had talked about for years. I played the role of the supportive friend, always there to listen, and always ready with comforting words. But as time passed, I saw the frustration build up in their eyes. They were no different from where they started, despite my best efforts to be supportive. It was a lightbulb moment for me.

I realised then that what was missing wasn't more support, but accountability. We sat down, and for the first time, we outlined specific, actionable steps. I asked hard questions, set deadlines, and followed up. It wasn't always comfortable, but it was necessary. And you know what? It worked.

Accountability, I discovered, is not the opposite of support; it's its truest expression. It's easy to be the cheerleader; it's much harder to be the coach who says, "Yes, you can do it, but let's define 'it' and figure out how." When you hold someone accountable, you're not just believing in their potential; you're actively participating in their journey to realise that potential.

This is not to say that being supportive isn't important. Emotional support is the foundation upon which accountability builds. Without it, accountability can feel cold, even confrontational. But when blended correctly, support and accountability create a powerful synergy. It's the difference between dreaming of a finished marathon and actually crossing the finish line.

Think about your "zone" of support. Are you more comfortable with words of encouragement, or do you naturally gravitate towards setting expectations and following up? The magic happens when you can navigate both.

Next time you find yourself in a supportive role, challenge yourself to integrate accountability into your approach. Remember, being truly supportive means not just rooting for someone's success but also being a catalyst for it.

Support provides the vision, but accountability paves the path. Lead with compassion, follow up with action, and watch as the impossible becomes achievable. Together, let's redefine what it means to be supportive by embracing the transformative power of accountability. After all, the best way to show someone you care is by helping them move from intention to action.

Lead well.

Have fun.