Successful people use accountability coaching because it helps them achieve their goals faster than they would on their own. We are much more accountable to others than we are to ourselves… and successful people know this.

A coach will also motivate you and push you to do more than you thought was possible. They will identify your weak spots and help you save time and money by avoiding pitfalls.

It is important to note that there is a difference between no-cost accountability and a paid service. When you’ve put money into the game, you’re more likely to take it seriously.

You will think of it as an investment and safeguard it accordingly.

So, if you are about to start working with a coach, or are currently considering doing so, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind so you can take full advantage of the process and get the most of it.

Get Organized

Simply put, disorganization will derail your progress. Maintain a tidy work-zone and keep a notebook on hand to record and track your actions taken. Many people like to use a good digital or online tracking system.

Ideally, you would use both, as there is something connective to the act of physically writing things down.

I also recommend keeping a calendar visible to keep you aware of your deadlines.

Record The Process

Record the successes that you have as well as any missteps in your progress. This info will help you and your coach identify the reasons or triggers that are causing your challenges.

And, when it comes to set-backs, remember: There is no such thing as failure. You either succeed or you learn.

Communicate Clearly With Your Coach

When challenges come up, contact your coach to get feedback. You are investing in an objective perspective, so don’t be afraid to ask for support.

Just make sure that you are concise and clear with what you are saying or writing. Proofread your communication so your coach knows exactly what you are telling him.

The easier it is for him to understand the situation, the easier it will be to assist you.

Communicate In Your Preferred Style

Remember that your coach is there on your behalf and has your best interests at heart. If you have a preferred communication style or there is something about the process that you would like to adjust, bring it up and discuss it.

A good coach is going to listen, take what you say into account and work with you to make sure you are getting exactly what you need.

Take Your Deadlines Seriously

This starts by simply paying attention, which is much easier if you are organized (see point one).

The more in-tune and organized you are, the easier it will be to set realistic deadlines and take consistent action.

If your coaching program requires that you check in or complete a report on certain days each week, make sure that you meet those deadlines by staying aware of them.

Clearly Identify Your Goals

This is an area where your coach can help you develop clarity, but the more time you spend with yourself on this matter, the better off you will be.

This involves getting honest with yourself.

It can be difficult to engage in the kind of introspection that is necessary if you are in a distracted frame of mind, so I recommend finding somewhere quiet, or even going out into nature.

Ask yourself what you want in your life or business and then take the time to answer.

Make Your Goals Visible

Once you identify your goals, you’ve got to write them down. They need to be specific, clear and phrased in a way that motivates and excites you.

To make sure that your goals are at the forefront of your mind, post them somewhere visible so you will read them regularly.

It is amazing how you can have extreme focus and determination one week, and then have that can slip away the next.

By staying in constant contact with your goals, your focus is more linear and you will experience less valleys in your progress.

Ensure You Understand

If your coach suggests something and you are not entirely clear on the process or how to implement it, ask for further clarification.

Your coach’s goal is to help you reach your goal, and if you aren’t clear on the suggestions and strategies he is giving you, you will be wasting your time and his.

Never end a session confused. Ask what you need to ask so that you can take immediate action.

Be Prepared

You will get more out of your sessions if you take some time to prepare. Rather than just calling at the appointed time, gather your materials, questions and notes beforehand.

If your coach has to pry things out of you, it will be a less productive time.

If there are specific points that you want to bring up in the session, make notes beforehand so that you can make sure to hit on each one.

There Is No Magic Wand

This last point is about personal responsibility. It can be easy to expect and hope that your coach is going to magically solve all your issues, but this is not realistic.

Think of your coach as your ally in your mission to achieve your goals.

Your coach will absolutely speed up your process and take you further than you would on your own, but make no mistake about it, you have to put in the effort. You have to maintain the disciplines.

Remember, it is you who wants to reap the rewards, so don’t try to hide your responsibility by expecting your coach to wave a magic wand.

 This will only lead to frustration and you will miss the opportunity you have to achieve the success you are after.

Closing Thoughts

If you take the time to put these strategies to use, you will most certainly experience the full benefits of accountability coaching.

No matter what your goals are, whether they be personal or professional, your coach is there to see that you achieve the success you’re looking for and enjoy the fruits of your achievements.

Just remember, the more you put into the process, the more you will get out. It’s a law of nature!

To your success!

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2 Comments

  1. The BEST all have one thing in common. They all have a mentor, a coach…. someone that keeps them accountable. Go figure. Why wouldn’t you….. if your goal was to be the best. Just copy the model with pride.

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