Accountability Partners & Creating Happiness 

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much I value accountability partners.

I promise there’s a really good reason why I encourage you to find an accountability partner. I’m not just recommending it because it works for me.

I’m recommending accountability partners because science shows us why goal-setting and accountability are so important.

Goal-Setting & Psychology

In 1998, psychologists King, Richards, and Stemmerich found that achieving a series of small goals on a regular basis can positively impact general happiness. 

In other words, if you’ve set a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal), a great strategy to feel happier and find success is to break that goal down into smaller, daily tasks.

Once you’ve picked your BHAG and are ready to take daily steps towards achieving it, it’s time to find an accountability partner.

Accountability Partners & Behavioural Contracting

Another well-known concept in human psychology is “behavioural contracting”, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Write your end goal.

When you have a goal (big or small), one of the best things you can do to encourage regular progress is to write it down.

For example: I want to write my children’s book manuscript by the end of the month.

Step 2: Write your daily commitments.

Then you can write down your daily commitments to help you achieve that goal.

For example: I will write 100 words every day until I have a complete 1,000-word manuscript.

Step 3: Outline your rewards or punishments.

This includes any rewards or punishments you’ll receive for completing (or missing) those small goals.

For example: After writing my 100 words for the day, I can watch an episode of my favourite TV show. If I don’t write 100 words, I’m not allowed to watch any TV until I complete my daily goal.

Step 4: Sign the contract.

You might not be legally required to obey the contract, but there’s still something binding about signing your name.

Step 5: Get your accountability partner involved.

To complete the behavioural contract, get your accountability partner to review the contract and sign it. Now you’re bound to complete your goals, and your accountability partner is obligated to help you stay on track.

With this contract set up, you’ll become more productive and, since you’ll be completing daily tasks, you’ll also grow generally happier.

Find Your Accountability Partner

Not sure where to find your accountability partner? Check out my FREE Children’s Book Writers Community: