I was on the phone with a prospective client and asked if there was anything else she needed for us to work together.
“Yes. Could you hold me accountable? I need help with that.”
Am I’m the only one who feels this way?
Over the years, experience has taught me something. That when a fully-grown human requests I hold them accountable, it never ends well—for me!
Call me silly. I don’t think outsourcing your responsibility is the best way to take control of your life. I said,
“Why would you give somebody else control over your success? If there is something you want, why don’t you believe enough in yourself commit to it? Fire up your mojo, trust that you mean it, respect your decision, and take full responsibility!”
I was just getting started.
“Besides, I know what’s going to happen...
The first time I hold you accountable for not doing what you said you wanted to do, you’ll blow it off and say you’ll try again.
The next time, you’ll get a little angry at me for doing what you told me to do.
And the last time, you’ll tell me that this is not working for you—and you’ll fire me.”
Like I said. It never ends well—for me. If I’m going to get fired for doing what my clients asked me to do, I would prefer not to get hired in the first place. So I suggested something that always turns out to be a better solution.
“Why don’t you tell me what you want to do, and the next time we get together, you can check-in and report on your progress? I’m sure I’ll have plenty of solutions to keep you moving.”
She loved the idea, and it has turned out to be a great relationship.
There’s nothing more empowering than holding yourself accountable. Only you have power over what you get in life. You don’t need anybody else to help, so go for it!
