The magic of accountability partners

If you want to develop good habits, one of the easiest way to do so is to have an accountability partner.

I’m currently on Day 16 of a 28-day writing challenge, and I can easily say that the only reason I have this streak is that I have an accountability partner. Every day, we keep each other updated on what we’ve written. Some days, I feel tired, and I can’t be arsed to write. But thinking that there’s someone who’s out there, working on their work and expecting me to work as well, kicks my ass off Netflix. I can’t merely say that I have nothing to publish today either, as he went through all the trouble of publishing.

The comedian Margaret Cho writes a joke or song every day, but she does it with a friend. That way, both of them are keeping each other accountable for showing up. It’s easy to let ourselves down, but letting others down sucks. Knowing that someone is there with you on your journey can be a powerful motivator.

Examples:

• If you want to start publishing your articles every week, join a writing support group.
• If you want to work out, play sports with your friends or get a gym partner.
• If you want to study more consistently, have someone check on your progress every week.
• If you want to write more notes, join a notes writing group.
  

You’ll find it harder to procrastinate because it’s painful to let others down. Your partner might see you as lazy or untrustworthy, and these emotions kick you into action. We have this innate desire to be liked, so why not take advantage of it to cultivate good behaviour?

P.S. Shoutout to my Sourav, who’s been keeping me accountable for publishing every day!