In the fast-paced world that we live in, staying accountable to our goals can be challenging. Whether you’re photographers like we are, or you happen to be in university or even a stay-at-home parent without additional work responsibilities, maintaining accountability makes life a lot simpler. Today we’d like to share how we stay accountable to our goals in three unique ways, using our own personal examples to illustrate how that works in our busy lives.

Secret Tip 1: The Power of Clear Goal Setting

One of the most important lessons to learn when goal setting is to keep your goals manageable and overseeable. For example, when Dianne set her goal of improving her Bible knowledge in THIS BLOG POST, she didn’t just keep it at that. She realized that it was important to tell herself how she would get there. She came up with a plan to find a daily Bible reading plan, found a few favourite podcasts (including Messiah Matters) to listen to while editing, and found a few other simple ways to remind herself throughout the day to focus on this goal. This way, it’s not just about saying, “I want to know more” but breaking down that broad objective into tangible, achievable milestones that can be met on a daily basis.

To implement this secret tip effectively, start by defining your goals with precision. How do you envision success? What steps can you take today to move closer to that vision? When you set clear objectives, you provide yourself with a roadmap, making it easier to measure progress and adjust course when needed.

Remember, it’s not enough to have goals in your mind; put them on paper. Writing down your goals not only reinforces your commitment but also serves as a tangible reminder of what you’re working towards. As you embark on this journey, remember the keyword – how to stay accountable – because clarity is the first step in answering that question.

Secret Tip 2: Tackling Procrastination Effectively

Procrastination is a common nemesis when learning how to stay accountable. We often find ourselves delaying less enjoyable tasks or avoiding them altogether. This not only hinders progress but can also lead to a sense of frustration and unfulfillment. One personal example we can use for this would be the necessary renovation of our Airbnb basement. 

While putting the final touches on this project will be fun (as history has proven), putting up drywall, etc., is not so much. Dividing this task into specific rooms (two bedrooms, a laundry/bathroom, and a small rec room) and particular tasks (cleaning, installing drywall, mudding, and sanding), and then setting a deadline for each room (with some buffer space in between to allow for catching up) is an easier way to oversee what the total timeline will look like and what would be a reasonable deadline. And then we just need to take that first step.

And speaking of the first step, the Two-Minute Rule is a game-changer. If a task takes less than two minutes, we aim to do it immediately. This simple yet effective rule eliminates the trepidation that often comes with starting something new.

Secret Tip 3: Building an Accountability Support System

Going at our big goals alone makes the journey towards accountability lonely and challenging at times. As co-owners of this business (and co-managers of our family life), we make sure to encourage each other on a daily basis. But not everyone is this lucky. Lacking this can lead to demotivation. Enter secret tip number three: building a support system.

While we’ve found the first accountability partner in each other, for some it may not be so easy. It is important to connect with someone who shares similar goals and values. Regular check-ins with an accountability partner provide motivation and a sense of shared responsibility. This partnership becomes a cornerstone in answering the question of how to stay accountable consistently. The almost unbelievable fact is that someone who’s looking at your situation from the outside can often easily see what your hangups and struggles are and suggest ways to handle specific challenges.

In addition to that, consider sharing your goals publicly. While it may seem daunting, this creates a sense of external accountability. When others are aware of your objectives, it becomes a powerful motivator. Nobody wants everyone to know that they’re failing at something. When Dianne has a particularly busy day, she’ll post her entire to-do list on Instagram stories with the question “Who thinks I can get it all done?” More often than not, it doesn’t all get done, but she sure does try! Especially to prove the naysayers wrong. 

In addition to this, joining relevant communities, whether online or local, can offer valuable support and advice. Sharing experiences with like-minded individuals not only boosts motivation but also opens doors to new perspectives and ideas. Hey, it can even lead to additional opportunities that you never knew existed!

Bonus Tip: Embrace the Power of Reflection

As you navigate your journey toward accountability, incorporating regular reflection into your routine can be a game-changer. This could look like scheduled check-ins with yourself, journaling or even celebrating each milestone or goal that you’ve achieved! Remember to learn from setbacks and adjust your approach if necessary. We know it’s easy to want something to happen a specific way, but if it isn’t working, there is no point continuing in the same way. Always be open to other strategies and opportunities. 

Accountability can be Fun

As you continue learning how to stay accountable, remember that progress, not perfection, is the goal. Keep these three tips front of mind (maybe post them somewhere you’ll see them often) and celebrate the small victories along the way. Stay accountable, stay motivated, and watch as you crush your goals one by one!