The Power of Accountability: 7 Tips for Achieving Your Goals

I still remember standing in my wetsuit at 7am on race day, heart pounding, as the volunteers shuttled us into the chilly water. The months of early morning swims, long bike rides, and grueling runs all came down to this moment. Completing an Ironman—a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon—was one of the most challenging things I’d ever attempted, but as I crossed the finish line over 15 hours later, I knew it wasn’t just my training that got me there. It was accountability.

Looking back, I see how many layers of accountability carried me to that finish line. The steep cost of the race created a financial commitment that I couldn’t ignore. I worked with a coach who tracked my workouts through an app, providing regular feedback and holding me to my plan. I told my family and friends about my goal, ensuring I had their support (and a healthy dose of pressure not to back out!). Most importantly, I joined a triathlon club, where I trained alongside others who were pursuing similar dreams. Those shared sessions and mutual encouragement transformed an individual sport into a collective journey.

Without all of these built-in layers of accountability, I’m not sure I would have made it. Since that race over a year ago, I’ve noticed that when I struggle to achieve a goal, it’s often because accountability is missing.

While it's easy to acknowledge the importance of accountability, it's a whole other obstacle to put it in to practice. If you're anything like me, it's a lot easier to set goals than it is to see them through to the finish line. With that, here are a few ways you can help bring accountability into your own life:

1. Share Your Goal Publicly
   Tell a trusted friend, family member, or even post about it online. Knowing others are aware of your goal can motivate you to keep going.
2. Hire a Coach or Mentor
   A professional coach or mentor provides structure, guidance, and regular check-ins to help you stay on track.
3. Financial Commitment
   Invest in your goal by paying for a program, class, or event. When money is on the line, you’re more likely to follow through.
4. Find a Like-Minded Community
   Join a group or club where others are pursuing a similar goal. Whether it’s a triathlon club, a book club, or a professional network, having people to share the journey with can make all the difference.
5. Set Regular Check-Ins
   Schedule recurring times to assess your progress, either with a partner or on your own. Make it a non-negotiable part of your calendar.
6. Use a Tracking System
   Apps, journals, or spreadsheets can help you measure your progress and keep your goals front and center.
7. Reward Yourself
   Set small rewards for hitting milestones along the way. It’s a fun way to stay motivated and celebrate progress.

Accountability doesn’t just work for athletic goals—it works for all areas of life. In coaching sessions, I often end session with a critical question: “How can you be held accountable for this goal, and who will hold you accountable?”
So, let me challenge you: Where in your life could you use accountability? Whether it’s fitness, career, or personal growth, the first step might be as simple as finding a community, sharing your goal, or scheduling a check-in.

Additionally, what’s the first step you can take to make it happen? Don't let yourself off the hook! Feel free to contact me to share which of these tips you're putting into practice.