Have you ever started a project only to become discouraged and give up? Or even worse, have you ever worked long and hard on something then lost sight of the reason you started?

If you’ve ever found yourself unable to complete a project because you lost enthusiasm, today’s article will help you stay motivated (even when the going gets tough).

Since you have big dreams, completing what you set out to do matters – and this article will help you succeed.

THE BEST SOLUTION TO KEEP YOU MOTIVATED

In studies of the most successful people in the world, one common trait among them is that they’re accountable. High achievers set goals and go after them with incredible discipline.

Whoa. That sounds heavy. Be disciplined? Take responsibility? No thanks. I got this. I can do it all myself. I’m good with deadlines. I don’t need a babysitter. I don’t have time.

Many shy away from accountability because it sounds demanding. It’s added pressure. It’s an extra thing to add to your already full to-do list. Business and life are already stressful enough. Why add something else?

But here’s a secret to creating accountability and discipline that makes it fun, intimate, and there’s even research showing it works!

Instead of doing this whole discipline and accountability thing alone – find an accountability partner. Find yourself someone who will hold you accountable, check-in on you, and who will motivate you to get to the finish line.

3 REASONS WHY YOU NEED AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER TO BE SUCCESSFUL

1. KEEPS YOU FOCUSED ON YOUR GOALS

An accountability partner keeps you on track.

You may get distracted by the latest marketing or technology that promises to take your business to the next level. You may feel you need to pause what you are doing and go in another direction. Or, you may have too many projects going on at once.

Whatever the case may be, your accountability partner can lovingly keep you on track based on your goals. If your goal is to get five new clients and you aren’t booking any, then you can look at what activities you are doing so you can meet your goals.

Sometimes we can’t see what’s stopping us from moving forward. A great accountability partner will encourage you and will ask questions so that you go beyond that analysis paralysis and get back to taking action.

They shine a light on your blind spots. They encourage you to follow through. They will cheer you on so you can stay committed. That means you are focused, minimizing distractions, and reaching your goals faster!

2. ALLOWS YOU TO VENT TO SOMEONE WHO GETS IT

Being a business owner is not easy. Many of us work from home (especially in light of recent events). Technology today allows us to connect via Facebook, Skype, or Zoom. But prior to COVID-19, you may have gone to networking meetings in your area or worked from a coffee shop to be out among the living.

With most of us spending the majority of our time at home – feeling a little disconnected – one significant benefit of having an accountability partner is you’ll have someone in your corner. You’ll feel less isolated because someone has your back and knows your goals. And because someone is checking in on you (like a good friend), you don’t feel like you are doing everything on your own.

Ultimately, being an entrepreneur means our business and personal lives are intertwined. What’s going on in our life can impact our business and vice versa.

You want to feel comfortable with your accountability partner to talk about it all. You want someone you can vent to about your struggles. And you want someone who is there to celebrate your wins.

3. PROBLEM-SOLVING SO YOU CAN TAKE ACTION

It’s easy to talk about the issues we are facing; however, there’s a fine line.

I believe it’s essential to start each conversation with your accountability partner with your intention. That way, it’s clear what you need at that moment.

Do you need to vent? Do you need to discuss a specific project? Do you need to brainstorm ideas? Get clear on what you need.

You may want to put a time limit on the venting portion of your conversation. Discuss these boundaries ahead of time, so you are both on the same page. You want to leave each conversation filled with encouragement and action steps.

That’s why you need to take it to the next level with your accountability partner by discussing how you plan to move beyond any issues you are facing in your business. Remember, two heads are better than one.

Allow time to discuss solutions. Even if you already have the answer and all you need is to vent, that’s okay. State that intention at the start of your call.

That said, I do want to encourage you to listen to other ideas, your partners. Be open, listen with your heart, and follow your intuition.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

You want to find the right accountability partner for you.

Someone who…

• Has similar aspirations.
• You can easily talk to and trust.
• Will stick with you no matter their success or yours.
• Is a life-long learner and wants to grow to the next level in both their business and life.

You don’t need someone who has the same goals as you. I recommend that you find someone that has a different background and skill set. That way, you can both learn from each other as well!

Here are three questions to ask yourself to get clear about what you want from this type of relationship.

1. What am I looking for in an accountability partner?
2. What do I want out of the partnership?
3. What do I need to feel supported?

Create a list of criteria you want in your partner so that you know what’s important to you from the get-go.

A great place to begin your search is with your fellow ITNers or other masterminds. Look for like-minded souls who value goal setting and encouraging their fellow entrepreneurs so that we can make a positive difference in this world.

Once you find a connection, set up a time to have an honest conversation around what you need and what they need. And if it’s a fit – congratulations! If not, that’s okay. Keep looking, and it will come.

IN CONCLUSION

An accountability partner is key to your success. They are committed to you and helping you achieve your goals.

Here’s the point: you can’t do it alone. If you are open and willing, accountability can be whatever you need it to be for you. Your needs may change over time, so check-in regularly with your partner to make sure you are both getting value from it. And no rule says you can only have one.

Don’t dismiss the importance of having someone in your life that you can speak openly about your business goals. It can make all the difference in the world. After-all, Transformational Nutrition coaches need support and transformation too.

For more on Alison, head here!

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