15 THING I'VE LEARNT NO.7 

Accountability is the Missing Component
in the Personal Development Industry

Dear

Following on from my previous newsletter here is the next instalment of 15 things I've learnt about human beings and success in 3,500 hours. No. 7 is "Accountability is the missing component in the personal development industry".

I've estimated that I've invested about $80,000 in my personal development over the last 10 years and been a part of the personal growth industry for more years than I'd like to mention (it's 38 actually), so I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn't. Many have invested time and money in seminars, books, workshops, CD's and courses only to find the shift in behaviour and results have been minimal or old patterns returned. Was the information they received impractical or was something else missing?

Accountability: being responsible to someone or for some activity.

I think we all know how being accountable to a person or a deadline means that things are much more likely to get done. Only a very small percentage of people are naturally highly motivated, self empowered and able to manage their time perfectly, juggle schedules/priorities and achieve all their goals without any assistance.

Accountability works well in personal health and fitness programs. That's why people join groups like weight watchers or get a personal trainer. They are accountable to someone.

I remember the first time I was coached. I'd been approached several times by coaches offering me a complimentary session but I was afraid to let another person see just how much I procrastinated and the time I wasted. When I began my coach training in 2000, the first part of the training was to be coached for 12 weeks. I was caught out. What I didn't realise, of course, was that in the coaching relationship there is no judgment or criticism. All I had to do was silence the inner critic and look honestly at what was happening. Within weeks, the process of allowing another to see my results and ask questions in a non-judgmental environment, meant that things I'd battled with for years were sorted out in weeks. I could hardly believe the efficiency that suddenly appeared in my world. Why didn't I do this sooner, I thought to myself, I could have achieved so much more.

For some of my clients, accountability is up to 80% of the reason they achieve so much.

What if I can't afford a personal coach?

There will always be some form of coaching that you could possibly use for accountability but if not, here are some solutions.

1. Accountability with a friend or work colleague you trust who will support you and be non-judgemental. If you can't find a friend to do that, it's probably time to evaluate some of your friendships.
2. Develop a small group with accountability that has similar goals.
3. Agree on a regular convenient time to meet. Don't cancel or reschedule it.
4. Talk clearly and specifically about the goals you want to achieve and changes you want to make. Document your goals.
5. Create realistic deadlines for achieving tasks.
6. When you meet to share your progress and things aren't getting done, don't ask "why didn't you do this" ask two questions:

"Accountability breeds response-ability." Stephen R. Covey

"The ancient Romans had a tradition: whenever one of their engineers constructed an arch, as the capstone was hoisted into place, the engineer assumed accountability for his work in the most profound way possible: he stood under the arch." Michael Armstrong

Any questions? Just email me. anthony.venn-brown@psalifecoaching.com

Free Life Balance Assessment

As human beings it's natural to seek balance and harmony in our lives. There are usually ten areas to prioritise in order to gain personal satisfaction. These include things like, career, finance, relationships, family etc. We are happiest when our life is balanced.

If you'd like to have a free personal assessment, with print out, then email me at info@anthonyvennbrown.com and I'll send you the details. From this you'll clearly see the areas that need greatest attention and what needs to change in order to create a life of harmony and balance.

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• to discover personal empowerment
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1.       This one, of personal growth tips and insights, to help you live a more rewarding and fulfilling life.
2.       Another for readers of my autobiography who want to keep up to date with what is happening in the GLBT world.

If you want to manage the lists you are on you can do so at the bottom of this newsletter by clicking on Update Profile/Email Address and checking the right boxes. Then click save.

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