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The new year has begun, we’ve set out resolutions which are specific, achievable and desirable https://www.lindajharper.com/post/new-year-resolutions-are-they-motivational-or-do-you-run-for-the-hills how do we keep the motivation as the year progresses?
Well, there is much to be said for an accountability buddy! Having somebody you trust, who knows how much reaching your goals means to you, be invested enough to question how you are doing and keep you on track, can be invaluable.
When we have accountability we are less likely to lose momentum or focus on our goals or projects.
But, sometimes what we are aiming for might feel too personal to invite another person to be your ‘accountability buddy’ and you need to be accountable to yourself.
But this is not easy!
On a personal note, I know how easy it is for me to pull the wool over my own eyes!! I can accept my own excuses for not putting in the work without batting an eyelid! To me my excuses are all valid - without exception!
So how do I accept responsibility and become my own accountability buddy?
Let’s Go! -
Here are the steps to follow to become your own accountability buddy:
1 Put on your Big Girl / Boy / Person Pants . It’s time to regain control!
2 Set out the specifics of your goal see - ( https://www.lindajharper.com/post/new-year-resolutions-are-they-motivational-or-do-you-run-for-the-hills )
3 Remember your WHY
PUT ON YOUR BIG GIRL / BOY / PERSON PANTS
‘Linda, what are you on about?!’
I want you to mindfully decide that it is time to take responsibility for the wonderful things you want to achieve. You need to understand that, even though you can get help, coaching and encouragement from others - ultimately only you can take the required actions to take you towards your goals.
SET OUT THE SPECIFICS OF YOUR GOAL
In the linked DOCC Blog, above - I have set out how to get specific with your resolutions and goals. By being specific you can break your goal down into steps which are achievable and measurable.
REMEMBER YOUR WHY
Why do you REALLY want to achieve this goal?
Why do you want to be your own accountability buddy? Is your goal something you feel too deeply about and is very personal to you?
Are you tired of trying and failing because you accept your own excuses?
In order to have accountability your goal/ resolution needs to be something which can be measured. How will you define success? Is it visual, or is it more of a mental goal / resolution?
If your goal is measurable then you can use a tracker. I have trackers in my book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/creating-habits-reaching-Journal-Habits/dp/B08QGBXTYH/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1QOZXDLJAMHO0&keywords=creating+habits+-+reaching+goals&qid=1641396216&sprefix=creating+habits+-+reaching+goals%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-3
- and there are many trackers you can download or you can easily make your own.
Decide how often you want to check in and what exactly you are measuring and then stick to it. Using a tracker gives you an accurate representation of how far you have come towards your goal.
If your goal is something visual you can use your phone to take a picture documenting your road towards what it is you want to achieve. From reducing the size of your double chin to learning how to draw, having a record of your improvements can act as motivation to continue as well as giving you evidence of how far you have come.
(I will leave it to your imagination which of these I have done! Or could it be both?!)
If your goal is more of a mindset one then I recommend journaling or finding a way to document how you are succeeding. A journal can be a place for you to mind dump everything you are thinking, create clarity and begin to break down barriers. It can, on the other hand be a structured list - you could decide to give different areas of your life a mark out of 10 and work towards improving that mark.
I would recommend making a regular appointment to visit your journal, it could be daily, weekly or monthly. Sticking to this will show you over time how you are making strides towards your goals as you read back over earlier journal entries.
You can use one or a combination of any of these strategies to help you become more accountable to yourself - whichever you decide - keep on going! Make this time the time you take those determined steps to prove to yourself that you are more than capable of reaching goals!
You can comment below ↓↓ or look at the end of the blog for all the ways you can contact me privately. I love hearing from you with all your ideas and photos of the areas you are working on!!
If you want to delve deeper into finding a ‘system’ which will work for you, you can contact me via my email lindajharper@yahoo.com or using the chat bubble on my website, I would love to help you!
You can message me on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Linda-J-Harper-Professional-Declutterer-and-Organiser-107805011001601.
I am also on Pinterest and Instagram if you need some inspiration! https://www.pinterest.co.uk/adnilenaj1314/boards/