Accountability may be the single biggest factor in achieving what you want in life. According to the Chopra Center, accountability is a way of tracking success that helps create a sense of ownership and pride that often leads to great triumph, enhancing your ability to achieve your desired outcomes. Often though, it’s not just enough to hold yourself accountable. The act of sharing your goals with someone else, an individual or group, greatly enhances goal achievement. It’s all about moving beyond yourself, or your own self talk, and finding someone that you share mutual interests with and can challenge you to achieve.

I recommend you avoid a spouse or a partner. There are just too many potential downsides to leveraging your partner for this purpose.

Here are some tips to maximize the value of your accountability partner:

· Find a close friend, mentor or co-worker. Or even a workout buddy if its fitness related.

· Share with them what you are looking to accomplish and the timeframe.

· Regularly schedule weekly time to discuss what you accomplished during the week and what comes next.

· Depending on the type of goal find someone that makes sense from a life experience and skill standpoint. If its fitness related leverage a friend who has demonstrated commitment and focus in staying fit. If it’s business related tap into the expertise of someone you know that owns a business or is successful professionally.

· Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and ask a co-worker. Don’t be surprised when that same co-worker reciprocates and asks you to help them out.