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THE POWER OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN ACHIEVING GOALS

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Accountability is the secret ingredient to turning your aspirations into accomplishments. Whether it's holding yourself to task or enlisting someone else to keep you on track, accountability significantly enhances your chances of success. In this post, we'll explore the two forms of accountability, why they work, and actionable steps you can take to harness their power in reaching your goals. 

Internal vs. External Accountability:

There are 2 primary forms of accountability: internal and external. Internal accountability involves taking your goals seriously and holding YOURSELF accountable for reaching them. External accountability involves finding SOMEONE ELSE to hold you accountable.

Impact of Accountability:

Studies show that accountability significantly increases the likelihood of goal achievement. According to the American Society of Training and Development, those who commit to their goals with another person are 65% more likely to reach them. Moreover, regular accountability meetings can boost success rates by up to 95% (Matthews, 2007). 

Reasons Why Accountability Works:

• Enhanced Productivity and Performance: When someone is aware of your goals, you're more likely to put in greater effort. For instance, setting quarterly performance goals at work and sharing them with your supervisor can drive you to complete tasks earlier and with more dedication, knowing that your supervisor is monitoring your progress.
• Ensures Follow-Through and Project Completion: Accountability forces you to stay committed and finish what you started. For example, if you announce your intention to train for a half marathon by a specific date, you're less likely to back out knowing that others are counting on you.
• Creates a Sense of Urgency: Deadlines imposed by external accountability partners create a heightened sense of urgency. Similar to signing up for a team competition, you'll feel motivated to put in extra effort as the deadline approaches, to avoid letting down your teammates.
• Facilitates Record-Keeping and Progress Tracking: Your accountability partner will likely inquire about your progress regularly, encouraging you to keep track of your results. Whether it's daily check-ins or periodic updates, this process helps maintain momentum and ensures you stay on course.
• Provides Honest Feedback: Accountability partners offer invaluable feedback and guidance. They can offer a fresh perspective on your goals, help you stay focused, and prevent you from repeating mistakes. Moreover, they're there to challenge any excuses or deviations from your goals, holding you accountable for your actions.

Resources

Matthews, Gail, "The Impact of Commitment, Accountability, and Written Goals on Goal Achievement" (2007). Psychology | Faculty Presentations. 3. https://scholar.dominican.edu/psychology-faculty-conference-presentations/3. 

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