Want to build stronger relationships in the new year? Joining a group or finding a partner to help you pursue a specific goal is a great way to build connection and increase follow through on something important to you.

Data point of the week
According to a study by the Association for Talent Development, having someone to regularly check-in with about your goals exponentially increases your chances of accomplishing it. Check this out! This is the probability of achieving your goal, when you:

• Set a goal: 10%

• Consciously decide to do it:25%

• Assign a timeline: 40%

• Make a plan: 50%

• Commit to someone else: 65%

• Have weekly, consistent check-ins with that someone: 95%

Reflection
Wow!

I generally think of myself as pretty self-motivated. I work from home and have complete control over my time. Outside of scheduled meetings, trainings, and events, I could do almost anything (napping and playing pickleball come to mind) and nobody would make a peep! Instead, I *mostly* work (and use my phone alarm to hold me accountable to periods of focus).

However, there are other things I absolutely would not do if I didn't have an accountability partner. I would not go for a walk (especially in the winter) if I didn't feel accountable to our dog, Iggy.

I would NOT work out if I hadn't hired a personal trainer to hold me accountable … and then invited a friend to join our sessions just for good measure!

Accountability partners not only help with follow through on your goals, they also make the process more fun, increase social time, deepen connection, and provide emotional support.  

Connection Skill & Action Step: Partner up on a goal
What’s something you’ve wanted to do for awhile, but haven’t been able to follow through on? If you're interested and partnering up to increase your follow-through power, here are some ideas.

• Find a friend with a shared interest or goal that you can do together like my personal training buddy … or taking a class together to learn a new skill.

• Set up an accountability partner or group. For example, I meet with a group of women entrepreneurs to share wins and challenges and set goals. If it sounds hard to set this up yourself, check out CoJourn, an awesome program that a friend of mine created to provide structure, support, and optional partner matching to help people reach their goals and form deeper connections.

• Get a coach or a mentor. If you can afford it, an expert—or someone who is further along than you in a particular area—can accelerate your progress. You may feel a higher level of commitment if you’re paying someone (to make it worth your investment) or they are donating their time (to make it worth their investment).

  
  

Questions to reflect on or to spark conversation. Please share your responses in the comments—we love hearing from you!

What’s something you definitely would not do on your own that you’ve been able to follow-through on with an accountability partner, or friend?