Projects and Goals, Part 2 – The Power of Accountability

bigstockphoto_man_running_390212s600x600A couple of weeks ago I wrote on this page about getting started on a project or goal, and about the power of taking just one step. Now let me add to that the power in establishing accountability throughout the process of reaching your goal or finishing your project.

(It is not absolutely necessary for you to have read the previous article, but it will help. Click here to read “The Power of the First Step”.)

I’ve signed up for a 5K trail run which takes place Saturday morning in Granite Bay, California. (Some of you will be reading this while I’m out on the course!) I’ve been following a schedule to get ready for that run, and it has included tracking my times on the 5K route near my home.

Last Sunday morning I went for my run and set my stopwatch as I left the driveway. I’ve got the “course” charted by mile and I’ve been tracking my improving times along the way. When I got to mile one I looked at my stopwatch and was absolutely stunned to see that the first number was a “5”. As in, 5 minutes-plus for the first mile. Had I really just run a sub-six minute mile?!

The next thing I noticed was that the stopwatch was not moving. Somehow it had stopped at 5:03, and it had no intention of moving past that point.

Disappointed that I would run without the benefit of a time log, I ran nevertheless. But something strange happened as I passed mile marker number two. I noticed that instead of concentrating on improving my time I was thinking about my to-do list for the day. And at mile marker number three I was thinking about the 49ers chances of making the playoffs.

The point is that without accountability I lost focus. Without knowing I was making specific and significant progress, I inadvertently blocked out my best efforts.

What about you? Do you have a project or goal you have been working on, but you’ve lost your mental focus? May I suggest you consider building in some measure of accountability? Perhaps it’s as simple as adding a specific date for the next step in the project. Maybe you need to get someone else’s eyes on the project or goal.

But here’s the key to getting this right. We need to stop seeing accountability as some kind of cruel taskmaster. Rather see it as a coach who pushes you to be better and more effective.

So I’m off to my first race since high school. I’m completing the checklist:

  • Try to get in shape – check
  • Question why I did this – check
  • Improve my times – check
  • Research first aid for a groin pull – check

I think I’m ready to go!


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About the Author: Jeff Shore

Jeff Shore is the Founder and CEO of Shore Consulting, Inc. a company specializing in psychology-based sales training programs. Using these modern, game-changing techniques, Jeff Shore’s clients delivered over 145,000 new homes generating $54 billion in revenue last year.