Have you ever noticed how hard it is to achieve a goal without accountability? Studies prove that publicly committing your goals to someone gives you at least a 65% chance of completing them. Having a specific accountability partner raises your chance of success to a whopping 95%! If research proves this, why are we always trying to reach our goals alone? How many times have you said a statement like this to yourself and tried to accomplish it alone:
“I want to lose 20 pounds.”
“This year, I will get promoted at work.”
“I want others to see me as having influence, where others willingly act on what I say.”
Consider how many times we say we want something, and stop short of achieving it. It’s like making a New Year’s Resolution that you know won’t last beyond January.
Eventually, we lose trust in our own ability to deliver.
How many times have you committed to deliver on a project, return a phone call or an email by a certain date, only to fall short of following through.
It erodes trust others have in us and weakens our ability to influence people to act.
The Power of Accountability
Accountability is the game changer for growing our influence. It’s that moment where we eliminate the excuses and commit to following through.
If you want to turn your promises into action, you must:
1. Own your commitment. Just as if you made a promise to show up to your kids’ game or recital, you must show up for yourself and others. No matter the size or significance of your promise, own your words.
2. Reiterate your commitment to others, reminding them you take commitments seriously enough to follow through.
3. Stop “trying,” just do. “Try” is a non-committal word. Ask any kid you know what it means when their parents use the word “try” and they’ll say it won’t happen. If you say you will do something, do it. If you are reluctant to commit, then don’t.
Our clients saw a 30% increased ability to hold themselves accountable after attending our sessions. They acquired the tools and skills to consistently deliver so others could count on them to be leaders of their word.
Stop falling short of achieving the goals you set out for you and your team. Accountability is key to influence others to act. Find your partner today.
