Why Does Accountability Help You to Reach Your Goals? By Cheri Alguire

We have all heard the word "Accountability" used around goal setting, but why? Is it really that big of a deal? Can't we just do it on our own?

Think back to all the goals you've ever made - from the simple ones to the large ones. Which goals were achieved and which weren't? Make a list of at least ten goals you can think of, writing "MET" or "NOT MET" next to each one. This visual exercise may help you understand at least one of the reasons why the NOT MET goals were - well, not met.

My guess is your MET goals were accomplished with the help of at least one other person. A friend, spouse, parent, or colleague who was in on your goal, perhaps because it was a goal they shared with you, or perhaps only because they were interested in you and how you were handling it.

Regardless, every time you bring another person into a goal, you have a better chance at realizing that goal. Without accountability, most people are likely to forget why it was so important to them, quit progressing toward it, or simply decide it's not worth the hassle.

However, with accountability - meaning you know exactly what you want, when you want it, and there is at least ONE other person who has the same knowledge - guess what, you will more than likely continue toward the finish line.

While humans are really good at admitting defeat to themselves, they are far less able to admit defeat to another person. It's actually (in most cases) easier for them to keep working toward their goal just so they DON'T have to admit they "gave up" to another person.

Accountability works for the following reasons:

* Shared Intention - When you share your intention with others, it becomes more real to you, which raises the stakes.

* Responsibility - By confiding in another person, you're claiming responsibility to the goal you want to pursue. This creates a more focused outlook as you pursue your goal.

* Ownership - Own your goals by bringing another person or persons into the loop. When you take control by placing ownership on your goal - success is far easier reached.

* Commitment - Simply by communicating your plan with others forces you, like little else does, to commit. You know they'll be asking about your progress, checking in to see how things are going, and they'll be very interested in the entire process. You almost have no choice but to commit at this stage!

So who can help you keep accountable to your goals so you can move them from the UNMET to the MET category? Do you need an accountability partner? Do you really own your goals by bringing another person into the loop? Who is that person going to be? Just make sure it is someone who will really stretch you, and won't hold you back to their level. It can be a friend, colleague or professional coach. Whoever it is, make sure they will REALLY hold you accountable to setting and moving those goals to the "MET" category!
_________
Business and Life Coach Cheri Alguire has partnered with hundreds of Real Estate Professionals and Small Business Owners to help them become more successful in business and in life. Coach Cheri specializes in Coaching and Training for Small Business Owners, Working Mothers, Real Estate Agents and Managers. You can learn more at NextLevelServices.net and CoachCheri.com.

*brought you by GoalsSuccess.com

Goal-Setting: What You Can Learn From Hockey By Catherine Pulsifer

For those interested in goal setting and how to realize your dream, there is plenty to learn from watching hockey players. So what makes watching hockey players compatible with realizing your own dreams?

There's no question that the ultimate task of hockey players is to score enough goals to beat the opposing team. But, how is this accomplished?

First of all, you can't even begin to win a game of hockey unless you first define your goal. In this sense, as I've said before, the ultimate goal is to score goals so you can beat the other opposing players. Having said that, does it automatically follow that players simply get on the ice and just shoot the puck? The answer is, no.

Once the ultimate goal is set, a multitude of actions must take place. In it's simplest form, the first action that must be taken is to learn how to skate. This is similar to your own goal setting in that there is more to realizing your ultimate success than just to have set a goal.

You must begin by taking action so that each necessary skill is learned before you can move forward. For example, if your ultimate goal is to start your own business so that you can live independently of never reporting to a boss again and to make sufficient income to support yourself and your family, it is not enough to simply state this goal.

What actions you need to take, or skills you need to learn will depend on your background, previous experience, if any, or whether you have a mentor (coach, as in hockey) that can help guide you to profitability.

Once you have set your goal, you also need to have an absolutely burning desire to accomplish your dream. This means that no matter the odds, obstacles, or misfires you have, you'll never give up. It also means that you will do whatever it takes, no matter how hard or how long.

Hockey players constantly strive to win. They skate and skate and skate. If they miss a hockey goal once, they just keep trying and trying over and over again.

No matter what the odds, no matter how many times they've been knocked to the ice, no matter how many obstacles are placed in their way, no matter how many times they've been slammed into the boards, they keep coming back to realize their goal.

There is much more to learn from observing hockey players that could take an entire book to write. But, right now it is enough for you to learn the fundamentals so that you set yourself in constant motion not being knocked off your game from obstacles that you are sure to encounter.

If you have a burning desire, an unquenchable appetite to succeed, you will continue to do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal.
__________
Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Goal Setting 4 Success, a motivational site dedicated to your success by setting goals.

*brought you by GoalsSuccess.com