Change is hard.

And it’s often scary.

I am amazed when I think back to who I was in 2006 when I began my journey into this field. The transformation that has taken place is unbelievable.

Of course, it didn’t happen by accident.

First, I had to decide what I wanted for my life.

Then, I started studying every day and applying what I learned so I could grow into the person I wanted to be.

And, finally, each time I needed to step out and do things that scared me (which was often), I had to remind myself of the commitment I made to change my life.

Truth be told, it would have been a lot easier to reject my calling. But my life would have been far less fulfilling.

I imagine you’ve faced similar struggles in your life.

Gone too soon?

If you’ve ever fallen short of reaching a dream, remember this…

Regardless of what has happened in the past, your future is a blank canvas. It’s waiting for you to pick up a brush and create a magnificent masterpiece that is your life.

However, to create a masterpiece, you must be more than interested…

People who are interested in something will do it when it’s convenient.
People who are committed will do it no matter what.

Getting excited about a goal or dream is easy. But maintaining enthusiasm and commitment over the long haul is often difficult.

You must make a conscious, active effort to transform that motivation into tangible results.

The problem, of course, is it’s hard to do when your life is already full.

How to forge ahead through daily challenges

So, what do you do when you have a big inspiring idea, but you’re not sure how or when to bring it to life?

First, you study and visualize.

And second, you get an accountability partner.

This is not a new concept in goal achievement. Bob says, “Accountability is the glue that ties commitment to the result.”

Being accountable to someone helps you keep your “eyes on the prize”—instead of losing sight of the necessary steps to move you toward your dreams.

A good accountability partner will…

• Inspire you to make headway in the face of roadblocks and time zappers
• Help ensure you’re on the right path
• Offer positive encouragement to inspire and stimulate you to move forward
• Provide a different perspective, and offer creativity and brainstorming to solve a problem
• Offer tough love, when necessary, to keep you from getting off track

At the end of the day, just knowing that someone is going to ask you how you’re doing with a goal or resolution can be the extra bit of motivation you need to step out and do the things that scare you.

Who’s right for you?

You’re going to form a relationship with this person. So, just like you would when choosing a friend, choose your accountability partner with care.

Do your best to pair up with the kind of person that you tend to connect with naturally. If you feel comfortable with each other, you’ll get more out of the relationship because it will be easier for you to communicate openly and effortlessly.

Another critical thing to look for is commitment. You will serve jointly as each other’s accountability partner, so look for someone who is as committed to his or her own success as you are to yours. Without commitment, the relationship will lose its value.

An ideal place to find a like-minded accountability partner is in a community that is committed to growth and success, such as the one in Bob Proctor’s Inner Circle.

If you are not familiar with this unique community, you can get more information about it here.

Getting started

For you and your partner to get the most from your accountability arrangement, create a framework that will help you meet your objectives.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

• Decide When You Will Talk. Figure out a good day and time that works for both of you and stick with it. I recommend coming up with a “standing time” each week, so you’ll both be less likely to forget or miss the appointment.

To build rapport and maintain enthusiasm, you might also check in with each other via email each day, especially in the early stages of the relationship.

• Show Up. Honor your appointments with each other. Make a commitment from the start that you will do everything you can not to have to reschedule or cancel calls.

• Eliminate Distractions. Find a quiet place to conduct the call. Turn off all email and phone notifications. Set your work aside. Be totally present for your partner and expect the same from them.

• Set an Agenda. Having an agenda keeps the call focused and allows you to complete the call on time.

Some things you might include:

1. Status update, including any actions that were committed to during the last session, and celebration of successes and achievements
2. Discussion of any challenges or issues with respect to your commitments, goals and objectives
3. Clear delineation of commitments and action steps to be completed before the next call

Split the call time as evenly as possible between each of you. Some people find it helpful to dedicate the first half of the call to one person and the second half to the other.

• Be Frank and Direct. The only way you will get real value out of this relationship is if you can count on each other to be upfront and honest. So, if you think the person is making excuses, making a poor choice or doing the wrong thing, say so.

On the other hand, you need to be willing to hear hard truths from your partner. A healthy relationship can be as or more important than sharing your goals.

Accountability increases your chances
of success significantly

Successful people very often engage the help of an accountability partner. Bob and I are accountability partners, and it makes a huge difference in our lives.

If you have or have had an accountability partner, please tell us about your experiences below.

If you don’t have a partner or you’d like to be part of a supportive community that will help you close the gap between your intentions and results, I highly recommend becoming a member of Bob’s Inner Circle.

Get more details on this remarkable program here. Bob says it’s the best thing he has ever done.

To more and better,

Sandy Gallagher