SURROUND YOURSELF

The recent success of the European Ryder Cup team owed much to the groups tight knit bond that they nurtured over many weeks Building on previous encounters and experiences and the ever-present WhatsApp! Players shared photos, jokes, and general camaraderie, making the team a tighter fitting unit, and keeping spirits high! So even skilled professionals at the top of their game, require and benefit from the support, encouragement, and motivation of fellow professionals. ​

By surrounding yourself with likeminded others who will support your project and encourage your change, you are more likely to succeed. Your support group can be online or off, either way, create a support team that will check in with each other regularly and provide that much needed shoulder to lean on or kick up the backside when required!

Having a support network that will hold you accountable for your goals and making the change means you are more likely to succeed. Whether it’s a coach, partner, friend, or colleague. Ensure you divulge all your plans and desired outcomes and insist that they never let you off the hook!

We are less likely to let someone else down, than letting ourselves down. For example, you are planning to do the couch to 5k, your alarm goes off at 6:00 a.m. before you went to bed you fully intended to get up early and go for your run before work, but it’s raining outside, and your bed is warm and comfy! 

Which these scenarios will make you more likely to actually make you run?
1. You have a running partner who will be meeting at 6:30.
2. No one knows you are attempting the couch to 5k, so only you will know if you press the snooze button!

Numerous studies have shown that when you share your goals with others, your chances of achieving them are twice as much than when you keep the goals to yourself. Being held responsible for achieving your goals will enhance your chances of success to yourself, if only because they motivate you to keep your reputation intact!  There are many types of accountabilities for you to choose. Depending on your goal, your personality, and your budget, some will work better than others. Here are 5 types of accountabilities you could try!

​1. Tell a Friend
Sharing your goals with someone who truly cares for you is the easiest and cheapest option. But it’s vital that you chose the right person who will ask you about your goals, support you in achieving them, and celebrate with you when you do.
Choosing someone who judges you or is highly competitive with you, could hamper your progress and potentially threaten your success. The ultimate accountability partner will support you and your goals with complete sincerity and commitment.

​2. Go online
In our ever-connected world, there are dozens of apps and websites at our fingertips which have been specifically designed to help with your accountability. These are great tools that can offer you reminders, track your progress or connect you with other people who are also trying to complete similar goals. Garmin, map my run, Strava, Run keeper to name but a few!

​3. Join a Group
Joining or creating an accountability group can help you perform and achieve things that you may struggle to do on your own.

​4. Seek professional help
There has been a huge growth in both life and business coaching over the past few years. There is no real surprise as we struggle to find a work/life balance or tale our business to the next level! A good coach will help you clarify your goals, set a reasonable and realistic timeframe, and help develop strategies for overcoming barriers to your success. As you will have probably invested a good chunk of cash, you’re more likely to commit and stay focused in order to see a return on your investment

​5. Put pen to paper
Perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to stay focused is to write your goals down on paper. Post it notes on the fridge or entries in your daily planner or on your wall calendar, act as daily reminders. Which support system you chose to hold yourself accountable, is up to you. Perhaps a combination of some or all the above would be the optimum. Whatever you chose, remember it’s just as important to invest in that as much as you invest in your goals!