Have you ever had something that you really want to accomplish, but no matter how hard you try it never seems to get done? Maybe it’s that your schedule keeps getting in the way of those exercising goals. Or maybe you come down with a cold on the day you planned to start your new meal prep plan. Perhaps you want to declutter and organize one small space in your house every morning, but a few late nights on family vacation throws things all out of whack.
Life has obstacles - that's a fact! And holding yourself accountable to your goals can be challenging, even for the most motivated of people. So, how can you practice accountability while also giving yourself some grace?
Below we’ll highlight three methods that we feel are the most effective for keeping accountable. And make sure you read to the end to find out about an exclusive accountability offer from Lynne and Declutter Go!®.
Power of the Pen
We’ve talked about the importance of writing things down before when it comes
to organizing and decluttering, and today we’re talking about it again! Lists and
notes to yourself are a great way to keep yourself accountable and get your goals accomplished.
Try making a list before you go to bed, to organize your thoughts for the following day and start things off with bang. Use fun colored pens to cross things off, so you can really see your progress!
Calendars are another great way to track progress, and plan out goals. Crossing off days, filling in days that you get X task done, and adding countdowns can all help you visualize how far you’ve come.
One of our favorite decluttering tools are post-it notes, and they can be used for more than just labeling! Try leaving reminders for yourself around your space, to help get you back on track. You can also leave yourself motivational notes and post-it notes of encouragement!
Read more here
Mind Over Matter!
Now, this may be easier said than done, but reframing your mindset can really make a difference in showing up for yourself!
Try looking in the mirror before going to bed each night, and saying “I am capable, I am ready, and I am enough”. Then repeat the goals you’re currently trying to accomplish. You’d be surprised how the power of repetition can help your subconscious rewire your brain.
You can also try replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. For example: when you catch yourself feeling overwhelmed and thinking something is impossible, take a breath, and replace the word “impossible” with the word “challenging”. Negative thoughts are completely normal, especially when we feel overwhelmed - and taking the time to recognize them, accept them, and reframe them can slowly change the way you perceive obstacles in your life.
You Gotta Have Friends
And finally, the last and arguably most effective way to stay accountable: finding someone to hold you to it!
Whether that be an accountability buddy, a community of like minded people or a hired professional, having support and someone to check in with or tell about your progress can make all the difference.
In a recent study, it was found that people have a much higher probability of getting things done when another person or group is involved in the process.
Researchers found that individuals have the following probabilities of completing a goal by taking these actions:
- Having an idea or goal: 10% likely to complete the goal
- Consciously deciding that you will do it: 25%
- Deciding when you will do it: 40%
- Planning how to do it: 50%
- Committing to someone that you will do it: 65%
- Having a specific accountability appointment with someone you’ve committed to: 95%
Lynne Poulton, founder of Wholly Organized® and creator of Declutter Go!®, has been the ultimate accountability buddy for her clients throughout the years
“My clients feel supported and more capable when I consistently follow up with them and remind them of our goals. I’ll often follow up with texts, emails and phone calls in between sessions to help keep the momentum going! More is accomplished when someone outside of ourselves follows up on us.”
Declutter Game Nights with Declutter Go!®
One of the reasons Lynne created Declutter Go!®, is so that everyone can have a decluttering accountability buddy in their home if a professional organizer is not available or of interest! Everyone who gets the game has access to our community of Clutter Conquerors, via Facebook, where we encourage one another to keep going on our decluttering journeys.
And on top of that, Lynne will be hosting a virtual Game Night over zoom on June 8th. If you’re feeling stuck or don’t know where to start, Game Night is a great opportunity to engage with people who also want to conquer their clutter and have fun doing it! Just bring your copy of Declutter Go!®, yourself and the will to declutter! Sign up for our email list or visit our social media for more information.
Curious but not ready to commit? If you don’t have a game yet, join us on June 8th anyway to see if having a decluttering community would be helpful for you. Follow us @decluttergo on Facebook and Instagram for all updates and for details!
We’d all like to think of ourselves as superheroes - and we are! Life can be tough, and all of us are going through the day to day doing our very best. One thing to remember is this: even superheroes have sidekicks. Because sometimes asking for help, and facing something together is the best way to get sh*t done.
Learn more about the game, and get your copy of Declutter Go!® now!
SOURCES
https://www.wholelifechallenge.com/hold-yourself-accountable-why-it-matters-how-to-do-it/
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/hold-yourself-accountable-with-self-love