Yesterday I wrote about Smart goals don’t work for me, but accountability does.
Accountability doesn’t usually sound appealing but it is effective—like committing to a gym session with a friend. It's something we might resist, but deep down we know it leads to better outcomes. I regularly chat with a friend who doubles as my accountability partner. Although our conversations veer into problem solving, we often are not strict about accountability.
Recently, during a discussion with a colleague from New Zealand about work collaborations, she shared that she and another mutual acquaintance make daily accountability calls, setting clear, daily actions to achieve their sales goals.
As she said it, I felt myself sit up straighter. I expect my lack of nodding in agreement probably means we are not collaborating.
Peter Drucker famously said, “What gets measured gets managed.” This conversation reminded me of the importance of measuring not just the urgent, but also the essential aspects of our lives. While daily checks might be more than you need, regular reviews are crucial. Imagine reaching December, only to realize you completely neglected your New Year's resolutions.
More importantly, imagine being on your deathbed wondering what if. The data suggests that people's biggest regrets at the end of life are around the opportunities they missed and the dreams they didn't pursue, rather than the things they actually did. 1,2
Accountability isn’t thrilling, but it’s a powerful tool in living a fulfilled life.
best wishes,
Rose
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