Earlier this year, I started reading a book called Making Ideas Happen: Overcoming the Obstacles Between Vision and Reality
One of my favorite quotes from the book is,
“Accountability, one of the most crucial benefits of engaging with your community, is what binds you to the relentless pursuit of your ideas. As you become accountable to others, your creative impulses become tangible products. Your ideas grow roots. Community strengthens both your creative energy and your commitment to channel it.”
I couldn’t agree more with the author’s statement.
You see a few years ago, I suffered from always talking, rarely doing disorder. I had all of these amazing things I told others I was going to accomplish but my track record was questionable. I turned over a new leaf with My Fab Finance. I am happy to say that since it launched, I accomplished just about all of the goals I set out to and those changes are largely attributed to who I’ve kept in my corner.
My friends are awesome (I mean duh, I chose them).
But as my goals began to shift, I had to forge new relationships that aligned with those goals. I now have an accountability tribe surrounding me.
My tribe consists of my sister and my best friend from childhood – both know me better than anyone on this planet and keep me grounded and offer a perspective outside of those in my creative circle.
On a cruise in December 2010 with my sister and best friend.
My personal finance friends/ friendtors (Friends + Mentors), keep me motivated in the space. We talk to each other about the successes and challenges we are dealing with in the personal finance space and provide each other with feedback and advice. But most importantly, they are my accountability partners.
One of my lead accountability partners is my sis-Star Kara Stevens of TheFrugalFeminista. We talk regularly. At one point we spoke to each other every morning and every evening.
Me and my accountability partner Kara “The Frugal Feminista” Stevens.
During these calls, we outlined our goals for the day and then circled back with each other in the evening to discuss our progress. During these calls, we would also practice our amazing exercises. We have created a space where we could brag with each other without being ashamed or boastful. I tell Kara one reason why I am amazing and she tells me a reason why she is amazing. It’s a fantastic exercise that really puts things into perspective. I am so thankful to have Kara and my Frugal Fab 5 ladies in my life.
My other accountability partner is… YOU!
I am very vocal about the reason I created MyFabFinance. As much as I love you all, it was slightly selfish. My Fab Finance started as my accountability partner. I wanted to put my goals out there to an audience, which helped me and continues to help keep me on track. There are times I am on the verge of a terrible financial decision (like balling out at Zara) and I stop and ask myself, “What would my readers say?”.
Accountability partners work wonders and are most effective when two or more of you are committed to a goal. It is the same science behind AA sponsors, it works! We find it easier to let ourselves down than we find it to disappoint others.
Whether you need someone you can call to stop you from spending unnecessary money at DSW; you need someone to inspire you when you feel like eating out despite a kitchen full of groceries; or you want to start knocking out your goals, I urge you to enlist an accountability partner to help you achieve your goals.
If you are having an issue finding an accountability partner, let me know in the comments below. I can try to do a little accountability matchmaking. And if you already have an accountability partner, tell us how and why it has helped or not helped you achieve your goals.
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