If you are at all like I use to be, you head into each week feeling determined that this will be the week you get yourself organized, start to push harder and kick your sales into high gear. Maybe you even have your ritual cup of coffee and head to the office feeling charged and ready to conquer the busy day ahead.

But then something happens.  You find that the hours race by. You feel pulled back and forth between calls, meetings and a seemingly endless stream of emails. By days end, you’ve made little headway and are far off from the goals you set for yourself just hours earlier.

Feeling drained and disappointed, you tell yourself tomorrow is another day. But too often those days turn into weeks, months and even years of failing to reach your goals. You are hardworking with an “I Can” attitude, but despite your effort, you always seem to come up short.

Don’t beat yourself up. Even highly motivated business owners sometimes need help actualizing their game plan. What you need is accountability.

Accountability…The act of having to report and explain your actions – or lack thereof – to a person you respect will help keep you motivated to stay on task.  Setting up accountability in your business is a 2-step process.

Step 1 – Choose An Accountability Partner. The reality is that even when we set goals, we struggle to take the action steps necessary day in and day out to achieve them. It’s easy to give yourself leeway or make excuses when you don’t have to answer to anyone. This is especially true for entrepreneurs who have no “boss” to question their sales numbers.

Find an authority figure that you respect who will support you as an accountability partner as you strive to reach your short-term and long-term goals. Don’t ask your buddy to do it.  You want someone who won’t let you off the hook if you fail to reach your daily, weekly and monthly disciplines. Share your goals with them and get their feedback on your action plan. The right partner will be able to suggest ways that you can modify your goals to make sure they’re both realistic and measurable.

Step 2 – Commit to the Process. Your accountability partner needs to be committed to seeing the process through with you. But remember, they can’t do the work for you! Meet with your partner on a regular basis (preferably at least once a week) to review your progress in each category. During your sessions you should look back at the previous successes and failures. Your accountability sessions are also the prime time to “review and improve.” Which strategies have been working — and which haven’t? Make the adjustments necessary to improve your ability to succeed as you move forward.

Working with an accountability partner, and with hard work, commitment, and self-reflection – you’ll be able to achieve the daily, weekly, monthly and annual goals you’ve been meaning to reach, but somehow never quite got around to.

If you have struggled to stay on track or break your performance barriers, it may be time to invest in the support of a professional accountability coach. I would love the opportunity to talk to you further about this. As a master sales and business develop strategist, I understand how mastering accountability can be a game changer as you strive to grow your business.

If you want to learn more about how to implement an accountability partner you’re your business or other programs we offer, Contact me  today.