How to choose your next accountability partner.

Jan 2, 2021

3 min read

Finding the right qualities in your next accountability partner could be the simple switch you need to thrive in 2021.

We all know the start of a new year tends to bring an abundance of New Year's resolutions— weight loss, food habits, exercise consistency, lowering debt, regularly attending to yourself, etc. The excitement is high and the desire to finally achieve your goal is strong.

And maybe you're that someone who sets out every January for an accountability partner to keep you motivated to work towards your goal.

But my guess is somewhere between your ask and their yes things got a little fussy and the person who you expected to help keep you accountable either flaked out by February or left you feeling lazy and uninspired by March.

Here's the thing. I don't believe we're asking the right questions to get the right accountability partner for our goals.

Naturally, the first place we look are the people closest to us: our spouse, friends, family, or coworkers. Once that listed has been exhausted we try to find someone with the same goal.

It's intuitive, but is it the best strategy? Maybe not.

Three things to make clear before asking anyone.

1. What do you want accountability for?

As the one asking for help you must consider what you're asking for before asking. Define your goal and get specific. Often times the person looking for accountability over simplifies things by saying "I'd like to loose some weight" or "I want to save some money." Although this may seem clear it's really not, and it can leave both parties feeling a bit uneasy about how to achieve the goal.

2. What does support look like to you?

It will be helpful long term if you can define what type of support and accountability you're looking for. Are you someone who thrives on constructive feedback or motivational quotes? Are you someone who responds to tough love or do you need a someone who can offer some advice? Would you like check-ins? And how frequently?

3. You need to actually ask.

Asking for accountability can be really hard and super vulnerable. You're essentially asking another person to help you with a struggle that you've been unable to achieve on your own. Despite this hard task, do the ask! Do not tip-toe around the issue. And do not allow the person you're trying to ask offer their help because they can tell you might want it. You need to clearly start your request.

Choosing the best accountability partner...

Choosing an accountability partner can be super easy for some and extremely difficult for others. I’ve seen partnerships where friends support each other consistently for weeks on end, and others that don’t even make it to the starting line.

The best accountability partner is someone who cares about your goals as much as you do AND who is trustworthy and dependable.

Top 5 qualities in an accountability partner.

1. Find someone who cares about your goal.

80% of people say this is the most important quality. This person will genuinely show interest in your goal and progress and ask you about it consistently.

2. Find someone who is trustworthy.

79% of people say this quality was most important--which makes it nearly the most important quality. Make sure you choose someone you can trust with both your ups and downs.

3. Find someone who is dependable.

When choosing an accountability partner you'll want to pick someone who you know to be dependable. Do you have a friend who constantly flakes out on plans? Are they reliable? Can you count on them to help you stay true when your motivation weans?

4. Find someone who is non-judgemental.

If you have a judgmental family member who can’t empathize with your challenges, are they going to give you good advice? Probably not the best choice for you.

5. Find someone who's advice you admire.

Choosing someone you respect, admire and/or look up to is a great quality in an accountability partner. Ever hear the quote "You are who you hang out with!" Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who's advice you admire.

I encourage you to follow these few steps laid out as you think about your next accountability partner. Remember to be specific about your goals and desires and look for someone that embodies these top 5 qualities.

You're person is out there!

Looking for accountability in your fitness journey? I'd love to help you!

Email me at wellfedfitcoach@gmail.com to get started today!

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