I want to share something with you today that has had an incredible impact on my life & my business.

Something that has had me reach goals, make connections and achieve success faster than I thought possible.

Accountability.

Not a very sexy word is it ? But hear this… accountability ROCKS. The dictionary describes it like this :

the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions

I’ve found that accountability has been the biggest driving force towards my goals, and ultimately towards my purpose.

As a solopreneur, I run my own race. I love that about my job, and wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I’ve realised that sometimes we have to have an external reason to show up and take action.

Sometimes we need that little extra push.

When you run your own business, it can be really easy to stay inside your own bubble, especially at the start of your entrepreneurial journey. The only person you have to answer to is you. And whilst that feels awesome and empowering, it can actually hold you back.

Not telling anyone about your plans is a way of playing it safe.

Here’s the thing…. anyone can sit down and write a list of goals. It’s the act of moving towards the goals that really counts. Having someone hold you accountable is a powerful tool that will create momentum and results fast.

The first time I experienced with this was with an awesome coach I worked with about 3 years ago. We would work through my goals, get really clear on exactly what it was that I wanted to achieve, and then plan my next steps.

As soon as I had shared my action plan with someone other than myself, I suddenly felt more committed. I had to take action because I said I would.

It is such a simple strategy. And it works.

I’m almost halfway through my 100 Days Of Surf challenge, and I’m certain that the reason why I’m staying on course is because I made myself accountable.

I told people, ‘Hey, I’m going to do this thing for 100 days in a row…. I’ll post a video every day so you can check it out’.

Suddenly, when the wind was howling and the rain was lashing down my windows, I realised I had to do it, people were expecting me to.

This isn’t about feeling burdened or pressured.

It’s about choosing to have people on your team, rooting for you.

So on the days when you feel like giving up, you can think of them, and keep moving forwards.

Do you have a goal you’d love love love to achieve but haven’t had much progress with ?

Can you think of a way to have someone hold you accountable for it ? It could be as simple as telling your bestie, or pronouncing it to the world on your blog or Facebook account.

Go out there and make it happen