Your Support System for Reaching Goals

As we wrap up the last few days of January 2007 (that was fast), some parting words on those new goals and intentions you’ve set.
In a great 5-step simple process for goal setting I recently read about, the last step was something most of us don't think much about:

“Get support. Find a friend, coworker, or hire a coach to keep you accountable and moving forward. Check in weekly with that person to track progress and celebrate victories you have along the way.”

By sharing your goals with someone and asking them to help you stay on track toward achieving them, it’s not so easy to just shove them into a drawer for the next several months and hope they come true somehow. A little bit of self-induced pressure to meet a goal and keep your word with someone is great motivation! Choose this person carefully – someone who is objective, not too emotionally tied to you, and won’t let you off the hook. Your “accountability partner” may be a friend, co-worker, mentor, coach, or even a small group of colleagues, such as a Master Mind group. Even better if you can reciprocate by holding them accountable to their own goals.

Make arrangements to meet or phone the same time every week to check in on progress and successes. As this person becomes more understanding of your goals and actions, they may be able to provide ideas, information, contacts, and resources as well. They become an important piece of your network.
As Jack Canfield says in his book, Success Principles, “The key to a successful accountability relationship is choosing someone who is as excited about reaching his or her goal as you are about reaching yours – someone who is committed to your success and theirs.”

So, think about who you can call on to take this role to help you achieve your goals and enjoy that success you so rightly deserve!

I invite your comments and success stories on this topic. How's 2007 starting out for you?
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