Motivation and resolutions may get you started, but when it comes to achieving a goal and sustaining the results, you may need to rely on more than your desire to succeed.

As a woman, it’s clearly not enough to make a declaration about what you are going to do, because even at that, ‘things’ will always come up. So, you have to put in the work, face the possibility of making a few sacrifices and develop a game plan. Yes, we can make vision boards, create daily journals or recite positive affirmations (I know you do *wink*) but accountability can help you go the extra mile to turn an aspiration into an accomplishment.

So without further ado, here’s a few of what you’ll be gaining from making yourself accountable to that ‘no-bullsh*t’ girlfriend/sister/colleague of yours.

1. They will be your biggest cheerleader

Accountability partners are steadfast motivators. There will be days when your motivation and mental strength will be tested and the excitement you once felt starts to wane. It’s on these days that your accountability partner will be your biggest cheerleader by being the one to say ‘Yes you Can’ on the days when you don’t feel like you can continue. They can remind you of what you have accomplished and help keep your goals in sight as you work to make them become a reality.

2. They challenge you to make what seems ‘impossible’ possible

With the right accountability partner, impossible is nothing. So when selecting an accountability partner, it is important to choose a person that not only knows and understands your goals, but one who is also willing to push you out of your comfort zone. There may be times when you feel apprehensive about taking a risk or your limiting beliefs cast doubt about your potential. These are the times when an accountability partner can help you push through the anxiety and realize that the obstacles that we perceive as mountains are merely bumps along the path.

3. They will celebrate every milestone on your journey no matter how small

Whether they are big victories or small wins, your main girl (i.e your accountability partner) knows it’s always worth celebrating. During the quest to accomplish a goal, we often get caught in thinking about how far we have left to go rather than how much we have already accomplished. How often do you stop to celebrate your milestones? Your accountability partner keeps your progress in perspective by giving you a pat on the back when you need it and helps you to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

4. They will make sure that your goal remains a priority

Once you have a partner or group on board to keep you accountable, you’ll think again about abandoning your goals at the first sign of trouble. In addition to their roles as motivators and cheerleaders, your accountability partner wants to see you succeed.

Select an individual (they can be male or female) that won’t allow you to give up easily and will help you stay on course. Even when you may feel distracted, you will have the comfort of knowing you have someone in your corner to bring you back on track.

5. They prove that you don’t have to go it alone

One of the greatest benefits of having an accountability partner is the feeling that you will never walk your journey alone. Of course, life is an individual thing, but you can be rest assured that there will always be someone in your corner to help motivate you, dispel your fears or even give you a reality check when you need it. Working towards a goal becomes a team effort instead of a solo one which may help lessen the fear of the unknown.

Even as the year comes to an end, understand that there’s no pressure, take your time to find the one; the right person. Make sure they are capable of the aforementioned and then some more. Remember that as you search for your accountability partner, you must aim to find someone who will challenge, engage and evoke a sense of accomplishment in you. Seek out people that you admire and respect to help you reach higher heights.

The ball is in your court now, are you going to get an accountability partner for the new year? Or do you already have one? If so, please share how they have helped you and are there are tips that you would add to this list?

Enjoy the holidays!