I’ve estimated that I’ve invested about $80,000 in my personal development over the years and been a part of the personal growth industry for more years than I’d like to mention, so reckon I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t. People have invested time and money in seminars, books, workshops, CD’s and courses only to find the shift in behaviour and results have been minimal or short lived.

I have coached people who have attended seminars with the top personal development guru’s. Some even walked barefoot on hot coals at the end to demonstrate they had achieved control of mind and overcome all fear. What happened afterwards? Many of these people confessed later that while there was an emotional high after the events, and a feeling like they could conquer the world, it wasn’t long before the old patterns crept back. Was the information they received impractical or was it  something else missing?

What’s the missing piece in personal development?

Only a very small percentage of people are naturally highly motivated, self empowered and able to manage their time perfectly, juggle schedules/priorities and achieve all their goals without assistance.

I am sure you are already aware that being accountable to a person or a deadline means things are more likely to get done. Accountability works well in personal health and fitness programs. That’s why people join groups like weight watchers or get a personal trainer. They are accountable to someone for the goals and outcomes they want.

Accountability: being responsible to someone or for some activity.

A Confession:

I remember the first time I was coached. I’d been approached several times by coaches offering me a complimentary session but I was afraid to let another person see just how much I procrastinated and the time I wasted. When I began my coach training in 2000, the first part of the training was to be coached for 12 weeks. I was caught out.

What I didn’t realise, of course, was that in the coaching relationship there is no judgment or criticism. There was no safer space to honestly look at this without fear or judgment. All I had to do was silence the inner critic and look honestly at what was happening. By choice, I became accountable to my coach for doing what I said I wanted to do. Within weeks, the process of allowing another to see my results and ask questions in a non-judgmental environment meant that things I’d battled with for years were sorted out in weeks. I could hardly believe the efficiency that suddenly appeared in my world. Why didn’t I do this sooner, I thought to myself, I could have achieved so much more.

For some of my clients, previously they had goals and dreams but now …. accountability is up to 80% of the reason they achieve so much. If I am working on a project I will often use a coach myself knowing the objective space, additional insights, deadlines and accountability my coach provides ensures I work more effectively and efficiently.

So if something isn’t getting done, personal goals and outcomes not being achieved, make sure you build in accountability in some way.

There are a variety of ways you can create accountability other than using a coach. Add your thoughts and enter the discussion on my Facebook page. You will have to click on Like to enter the discussion and make comments.

“Accountability breeds response-ability.” Stephen R. Covey

“When it comes to privacy and accountability, people always demand the former for themselves and the latter for everyone else”. David Brin

Any questions? Just email me anthony@anthonyvennbrown.com or book a one hour free consultation online here.