Even those of us with the loftiest of ambitions get sidetracked sometimes (and then make excuses for it).
But if you’re feeling stuck, you can hire someone to help you reach your goals.
Heard of accountability partners?
An accountability coach offers even more encouragement.
For the uninitiated, we’re sharing everything there is to know about accountability coaching, including why you might need a coach and methods coaches utilize.
We’ve even covered a few recommended coaching resources so you can find the right person to motivate you.
What is an accountability coach?
An accountability coach can be many different things: mentor, confidant, taskmaster, et cetera.
At the most basic definition of the role, though, coaches assist in goal-setting, give feedback, and, most importantly, push you to accomplish what you set out to do
This might sound like an accountability partnership, but the relationship is more one-way than two-way, and coaches are certified professionals with a minimum of dozens of hours of experience — not just your friend or family member.
You’ll also pay to use their services.
If you follow reality TV news, you may have heard of accountability coaches like Teddi Mellencamp.
Contrary to popular belief, though, coaching isn’t just for celebrities.
Entrepreneurs, business owners, and even average joes can benefit from hiring a dedicated coach.
You might need an accountability coach if you…
People hire accountability coaches for all kinds of different reasons, whether related to physical fitness, business, or even romance (yes, really).
The common thread is needing professional assistance to stay on track and reach whatever objective may be in mind.
Lose motivation quickly
Sure, making a new resolution is exciting at first. But staying motivated long enough to actually complete it—not so much.
An accountability coach can provide you with an extra kick in the pants to write that book, improve your spending habits, or hit the gym more often.
Can’t set clear, attainable goals
Maybe you have a hard time right out of the starting gate.
You might say you want to lose weight this year, but how, when, and how much remains a mystery to you.
To achieve that overall aim, you’ll have to define it first.
That’s where an accountability coach can step in.
Need guidance or encouragement
If you’re feeling stuck in the mud — maybe you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or blindly pursuing a goal — accountability coaches can steer you in the right direction.
After all, they’re responsible for providing judgment-free support to get you where you need to go.
Feel overwhelmed by a large task
A coach can cut seemingly insurmountable problems down to size, which can in turn mitigate burnout.
One session likely won’t fix everything, but a coach can show you how to make progress step by step.
And if you’re still struggling, your coach may be able to tell you why.
Struggle with self-discipline
This one is for my fellow freelancers.
When the only person to hold you accountable is you, avoiding bad habits like procrastination or disorganization can feel like an uphill battle.
If you’re seeking some external oversight, an accountability coach will fit the bill.
How accountability coaches can help you
Accountability coaches employ many different strategies to help their clients reach their goals.
Some methods might seem obvious at first glance, but having a coach show you how to effectively practice these strategies will make a world of difference.
Bring a new perspective
When you’ve been stuck on a problem for a while, there’s often nothing better than seeing it in a new light.
Accountability coaches might bring up valuable potential solutions that you hadn’t considered, or suggest a new approach to vastly improve your desired outcome.
Locate new resources
Accountability coaches do much more than sit around and chat with you.
Good coaches typically spend time outside of your sessions locating new resources, ideas, and techniques for you to try.
That said, just don’t expect them to handle all the hard work for you.
Give structure
You might be flailing your way toward a certain goal, but some much-needed structure will get you there faster.
A coach can create an actionable plan, complete with realistic deadlines or steps, that will ideally put you on a clear path toward those big-picture achievements.
Provide forward momentum
In the era of streaming services and social media, we all know the feeling of being distracted from our big plans.
Accountability coaches, however, can get you back on track and moving forward.
Think of it as cheerleading, which could carry you right up to the finish line.
Open and honest feedback
Even (or especially) if it stings, open and honest feedback can clarify certain issues or personality blocks you might face.
In turn, this can enable you to identify core strengths and weaknesses, an essential tactic you can use even after your coaching session ends.
Website and apps that connect you with coaches
Those of you ready to take the plunge should check out these apps and sites to find accountability professionals around the world.
If budget is a concern, free AI coaching does exist.
But you’ll have to consider whether advice from a human or a robot will be more effective.
GoalsWon
Available as an app and online, GoalsWon pairs clients with coaches to form long-lasting, successful relationships.
Their certified pros specialize in different accountability strategies, so when you sign up, you’ll be matched to the coach who can best assist you personally.
CoachRanks
The team behind CoachRanks knows just how tough it is for clients to click with coaches.
To help, they’ve built an extensive online network of coaches who serve every niche imaginable.
Plus, their blog publishes a variety of useful info for both mentees and mentors.
CommitAction
Geared toward entrepreneurs, CommitAction matches clients with coaches for improved business productivity.
Accountability practices at CommitAction center around a 30-minute, weekly “ritual” that’s conducted with one-on-one supervision from an expert coach.
CoachCompare
CoachCompare’s database features everyone from fitness gurus and mindfulness mentors to business counselors and writing pros.
The site lists info on each coach’s qualifications and areas of expertise.
Once you pick your coach, you can reach out directly on the site.
Freelance Websites
If you want to widen your net, search for a certified coach via a freelance platform.
You’ll need to go in with a discerning eye, of course, but you could have luck on sites like Fiverr and Upwork, as well as many other options to connect to fully self-employed coaches.
Ready to get held accountable?
Now that you know all the important info, it’s time to ask yourself — Do you need an accountability coach?
Even if you decide you’d rather have an accountabilibuddy instead, there’s no time like the present to foster those productive relationships and find success.
Just like any relationship, you’ll only get out what you put in.
So, you have to be ready to work hard and fulfill your coach’s expectations to the best of your abilities.
If both you and your coach are in sync, there’s no telling what you might accomplish together.