Effective Goal-Setting Tip #4: Keep Yourself Accountable

You'll be amazed at how diligent you can be when someone else is watching.

All right then, time to get back to goals. We've already covered the Strengths and Motivation aspects of SMART goals, so let's move on to Accountability.

The basic fact is this: Without accountability, it can be awfully difficult to follow through on our promises. And, in some ways, that's what goals are. They are promises that we make to ourselves - and sometimes to our bosses, our peers, our clients, our spouses or our kids. Even the very best of intentions and the best laid plans can go astray if we don't build in that accountability piece.

So here's how it works. Find someone who cares whether you reach your goal. This might be a boss, a coworker, a friend, a family member, you name it. This person cares about you and wants to see you succeed. And he (or she) is willing to lend a hand in making that happen. He'll be honest, forthright and clear in giving you feedback on the progress you've made. He'll cheerlead your successes. Just as important, he'll give it to you straight when you're falling short of your goal.

Enlist this person as your accountability partner, or SMART partner. Let him know what you're looking to accomplish and how you're going about it. Stay connected and reach out when you've hit a stumbling block or simply need some prodding.

You'll be amazed at how much more diligent you can be when someone else has his eyes on your progress.

Who will your SMART partners be?

Until next time...

Liz