If I took the over-confident, I can do anything and I need nobody approach to life, I think the front door would be enough to stop me. Why? I’m far to lazy to keep myself going, and if (and when) I ever hit a struggle, I’d fill my own head with lies on how it’s okay to sit back down on the couch.
First off, let’s clear some things up: To preserve a bit of self-image – I do get up in the dark hours of the morning to farmers walk around a muddy field, but I can still think of too many times where I fill moments with nothing but useless procrastination, and that hurts. Oh, and I rarely sit on the couch, if I do it’d normally be to read. Now back to the point: I’m still lazy and don’t trust myself.
But if you don’t trust yourself, then who else?
Who To Trust
For me it started about a month ago, I was invited by a good blogging friend to join an accountability group with one other whom I also admire. As far as I’m aware, they are the only two people who know the ins and outs of what I’m actually up to, and they are the ones I trust instead of myself. I wouldn’t quite call it a mastermind group, instead of going in the same direction together, we keep each other going onward and upward in our own directions.
So what do they do for me? Well, for a start they aren’t babysitting me and they don’t do much directly to help me, like looking over my shoulder every 10 minutes. But believe you me the indirect help is enormous.
They keep me accountable, and I’ll do the same for them. Personally, I feel like I’ve got to deliver results. A simple document was set up to write down what was achieved in the last week, what will be achieved next week and what we learnt, among a few other things. I don’t want to see my goal of doing item x 5 times a day, and then have to fill it in with numbers that no one wants to read.
It’s not quite the prison that I’m putting it out to be, but it certainly helps to keep myself on track with me and my goals, but most importantly – it’s a chance to grow. That’s only one side of the coin though, I seriously enjoy seeing and hearing about what they’re doing. Not only are they pursuing über interesting goals, but they both inspire and motivate me to keep the train moving.
If you don’t have anyone but yourself to stay accountable to, I’d highly recommend you fix that. I think everyone is willing to disappoint themselves when it comes to results, but if others are involved it gives you that extra urge to deliver.
Do you already have a set of people who you stay accountable to? How does that work out? If you don’t, maybe you’d like to give it a go, and let me know what you think!
- Nick
Wow Nick, that sounds like an awesome group!
You’re right about that one!
I recently had the opposite experience. When I started my recent run at the steak and eggs diet, I figured that by making it public and posting weekly photo updates on my blog, I’d hold myself even more accountable than usual — and I’m normally strict as it is when I diet.
But I actually was more lax than I’ve ever been on a diet. Still not quite sure how that happened.
In principle, however, I agree with you — for a certain type of personality. Some people are more able to stick to their plans when they feel they’ll let others down if they stray, while others do just fine holding their own selves accountable.
It’s good to know if you’re an externally or internally motivated person. One’s not inherently better than the other, you just need to know what keeps you going so you can properly use it.
Cheers!
Yeah I heard about that. I was a bit confused myself to be honest! We all learn, I’m sure next time you’ll be much better, although you still made some great progress!
That’s a good point – it does vary. When I think about it, it’s not an ‘or’ question, I have traits of both, maybe that’s even more useful, who knows! All that matters for me is progress, and I wish the same for others, however they go about it.
Thank you for the thought, Trevor
Great post, accountability is the key to accomplishment! I’m also involved in a blogging group(A closed one) with 8 other members who help and encourage each other to build and increase our platform, become better men, husbands, and fathers. I have found it very beneficial and uplifting.
That’s epic, I think it’s always a good idea to keep it small, you don’t want to be flooded with the progress of 1000 people. Sounds like an accountability group on steroids! I can imagine you lot make quantum leaps, I think grouping with others is the best way to make progress. You may have your own inner-drive to continue, but you certainly don’t have all the answers or ideas, and that’s why I like the idea of joining forces to progress even faster with a more widespread view on life.
I bet you have, thanks for the comment Dan!
That group sounds interesting and it’s a great idea. I may have to steal that idea and bring it up in the collaborative workspace that I often work out of. Thanks, Nick!
Go ahead! It does work wonders, although you may have to err on the side of caution occasionally as I’ve found that some people will straight up reject it, but it depends how you put it. If your workplace fosters your kind of positive attitude then I’m certain that there’ll be a good response!
Thank you for taking the time to stop by, Vincent