My Top Non-Negotiables When Picking an Accountability Partner… And What To Avoid

Trying to break an old habit? Trying to start a new one?

Chances are, you’ve experimented to an extent with a “buddy.” Someone to call/text or check in with every so often about how your mission is going.

These accountability partners can be a game changer!

The Benefits Of Having An Accountability Partner Include:

• Support to Stick With The Actions Leading To Your Goal

• Increased Motivation

• Someone to Share Your Success & Happiness

• Someone to Help You Push The Limits (In A Healthy Way)

While having an accountability parter can be incredible effective when working towards a goal, the choice in partner can make or break the outcome.

So…. Who to choose when seeking an accountability partner?

Who To Pick:

• Someone that has already adapted your goal habit:

  • Choosing a partner who has already reached your goal habit is a good choice. This person can offer advice or provide options

    • Example: You want to cut back on alcohol, but you’re just used to a daily afternoon cocktail and the ritual of making a cocktail and watching the news. Your partner suggests swapping seltzer with some cranberry juice 3 times a week instead.

• A Mentor

  • Choosing someone who you look up to, whose opinion you value, can incentivize you to stick to your goal.

    • *It’s important to note that many people associate mentors with work colleagues. While engaging a work mentor in a personal goal is not appropriate, someone you look up to in your personal life is.

• A Professional Coach

  • If you have the money $ to invest in a coach, it can be worth your while.

    • Someone whose job it is to constantly check in on you, advocate for your health, and be a steady support system can aid your success.

Who To Pass:

• Someone From Your Inner Circle

  • Whether that be a close friend, family member, your partner, etc… this relationship dynamic might not be in your best interest. It can lead to frustration and hamper your relationship.

  • Think of an accountability partner like a business relationship. It’s the business of your health. We all know the saying, don’t mix business with pleasure.

• Someone Who Expressed Wanting the Same End Goal, But Isn’t Truly Invested

  • This one is hard! But, it’s on my list. It can be so tempting to team up with a person with your exact goal. What could go wrong?!

    • If your partner would like your end goal, but simply hasn’t committed to the change enough, this partnership can backfire, and, can even turn into a support group for putting the goal off.

• Someone Who Doesn’t Have the Time to Dedicate

  • Even if this person is a mentor of yours… Simply put, if they don’t have the time to dedicate to you, they aren’t the right person for the job. It’s important to respect others’ time as well, so, maybe another time!

At the end of the day, having an accountability parter provides much incentive. So, if you’re taking time to talk to someone about being a partner and looking for that true incentive, make a choice that will benefit you (and even your partner) in the long run.