It’s March 1st, do you know where your resolutions are?
New habits can be hard to maintain. For me, having accountability is key.
We’ve all heard the tip that finding an exercise buddy helps keep you on track for getting our little glutes to the gym. It’s a very effective strategy for many of us, providing you are the type of person that is motivated by someone else depending on you.I’ve found that I am definitely one of those people, and even though I’m fairly self-motivated, knowing my progress will be noted by someone else gives me the extra spark to stay on track.
But accountability can be applied to many other areas of our life. I’ve applied this strategy in a variety of ways.
Gratitude partners – Since gratitude was a key word for me last year (always is, but I intentionally wanted to expand this in 2015) I acquired two Gratitude Partners. I didn’t seek them out, it happened organically. One is someone I don’t even know who is in Canada. Every morning we exchange a list of three things we’re grateful for. The second is a friend who was also seeking to up the ante for gratitude. We exchange a list of five things we’re grateful for every evening. I start and end my day with this practice EVERY day. I aim to make the lists completely different.
Reading partners – I have been an avid reader my whole life. I enjoy a mix of fiction and non fiction and have tried to make a practice of reading one business book every month but haven’t always been consistent. I recently started a Book Club for women entrepreneurs. We meet monthly to share community and conversation, and I’m definitely meeting my goal of one business book every month.
Mastermind partners – As a business owner, my Mastermind group is one of my most valuable resources. I meet with them once a month and they help me talk through my business challenges and direction and we hold one another accountable. (Today’s photo was taken at January’s Mastermind Meeting)
Writing partner –I enjoy writing and always aim to be more intentional with my writing practice. Last year I teamed up with a friend with the same goal and we meet monthly at the library for a morning of uninterrupted writing. (in fact this blog post was crafted last month during one of those writing stints)
Workout partner – And yes, of course, a workout buddy is the old standby, and a great way to stay on track. I love to exercise and do yoga and Jazzercise regularly. My workout partner helps me to ensure that I get my strength training in. It’s my least favorite way to work out and with a partner it’s much easier and we always make it very fun.
If your resolutions are are already starting to fizzle, punch up your progress with an accountability partner and watch your results soar.
PS This month our Book Club is reading Better Than Before by Gretchen Rubin. It’s by far the best book I’ve read on habits. Check it out to see if an accountability partner would be right for you.