Having An Accountability Partner

A lot of the times we choose what will benefit fit us in the short-term instead of the long-term. Instant gratification and pleasure tends to outweigh the slower consistent type of achievement and fulfillment in society. Think about lock systems. When you have more than one lock on a door, it will be more difficult to enter. This is a metaphor for you and your life. The instant gratification and straying away from your path is beyond the locked door. If you are the only person keeping yourself from these distractions, unlocking the door with only one lock on it and breaking into this unhealthy lifestyle is much easier. On the other hand, if you have an accountability partner or a team of accountability partners, there are more locks on the door helping to guide you to stay on the healthiest and most fulfilling path for you. Temptations are inevitable. It is what we do with temptations that matter. Having people to support and guide you will help you to reject temptations, even the most tempting ones. Eventually, your rejection of the temptations can become second nature. This is why it is so important to surround yourself with people that help you to become a better person and that align with your values and path in life. Naturally, the people closest to you will be your pool of accountability partners to choose from. Be wise about the people you bring into your life and keep close to you. Your accountability partner doesn't have to be a professional. They can a friend, a family member, a mentor, a coach, etc. The important part is that your accountability partner knows your values, goals, dreams, and desired path in life and will try their best to help guide you onto that path (in the way that works best for you) without distracting you from it. It is never too late to choose a higher path in life. It is never too late to have an accountability partner. 

What to do with an accountability partner:

1) Tell them  your dreams and goals. They can help you adjust or change them if they need to be.

2) Tell them your plan to get there. The plan shouldn't be too complex and it shouldn't be impossible (look more at how to create goals in the book "greatness" by David L. Cook - this information directly ties into your plans). Your plan should be something you can remember off the top of your head. Your accountability partner can help you to plan and they can push you to stick to your plans when you face temptations to break away.

3) Celebrate with them! When you make minor or major progress or even reach a desired dream, be proud of yourself and be thankful for your accountability partner. Every moment in your journey of life is a great opportunity to look back on where you were and where you have come. Looking back can be helpful for learning purposes and it can help you to be grateful. If you are never proud of yourself, you will lose the enjoyment and fun that can be found in the journey. You will also probably feel burnt out more often than those who are enjoying the process.

4) Continue... Keep dreaming and setting goals! You will learn a lot along the way, so don't be afraid to embrace change and adjustments.

Key Note: You can learn a lot by being someone else's accountability partner too. It is also a selfless act showing that you care for someone and their dreams. Usually, it is easiest for you to be an accountability partner for your accountability partner.

Find an accountability partner! You got this!