Some time ago I met up with the women who attended one of my retreats. We spent some time reviewing what has happened since the retreat.
I had asked every woman 3 things:
What have you accomplished since the retreat (added a habit, etc – this can be small or big – it’s all about celebrating little successes!…)?
What has really changed (just a bit or big time) since the retreat or what have you come to understand better since then?
What do you really struggle with (small or big)?
It was such a great moment to see all the amazing things these women have accomplished.
When I asked them what they did to celebrate, some of them shrugged.
We forget to celebrate our little victories. We celebrate birthdays, big accomplishments with big parties. We should not forget to celebrate our little achievements with small celebrations (even if it’s just a little happy dance).
What came as an ‘A-Ha’ moment to all, was that it felt so great to have this group as a sounding board as it created accountability.
What do I mean by that?
Well, whenever you start something new or begin a project, you often get lost in overwhelm and to-do lists. And then you get stuck.
An accountability buddy is someone you can bounce ideas, doubts and frustration off at. But she also serves as a deadline keeper and happily dances with you on your victories.
My coach for example was my accountability buddy for years. Whenever I had my regular meeting with her, I had to check in with myself before to see where I stood. I had to check whether I had actually done what I said I would do.
What does an Accountability buddy do?
She:
listens with a neutral, constructive ear
focuses on YOU and gives you her time
does not join in on your stress/overwhelm/whining/complaining
asks the right questions to get you unstuck
is usually NOT a friend (as they do have a lovely tendency to be a little biased)
keeps you up to schedule with your projects/plans
gives advice/makes suggestions without sounding directive (she doesn’t say ‘I think you should do this’)
shares experience with you (from herself or her clients/network)
shares her network with you (‘I know someone who could help you with that’)
challenges and uplevels you (she knows your comfort zone and default settings)
helps keep the process fun (i.e. takes away your overwhelm default setting)
energizes you
helps you celebrate your progress
So what are you waiting for???
Get an accountability buddy! This can be a coach you hire (payment is very good for accountability kicking you in the butt), ask a woman you admire and trust, …
The results will be amazing and your projects will get done at the speed of light!
If you need some help, download this free e-book on The Accountability Effect by Bassam Tarazi.
I enjoyed reading this! I was asked to be an accountability buddy last September after doing a Climate Career Coaching group course. We both wanted to start our own consultancy. It's been a lovely partnership in a way, you captured the essence of what an accountability buddy is and how valuable they are perfectly!