Hold Yourself Accountable
This morning as I was finishing a workout video, I heard the instructor say, “Drop a comment below to hold yourself accountable for finishing this workout.”
About eight years ago, I started my exercise journey with early morning group fitness classes. I needed the instruction and I needed the accountability to get me to keep showing up. As I progressed and grew stronger, I learned I could show up for me and be accountable to myself.
I'm grateful to be at a place in my life exercise is part of my routine. I understand the value, and I just do it. No one needs to prod me, and I don't need to leave a comment on a YouTube video. Not anymore.
As I've talked with folks about journaling, so many people have been surprised and intrigued by the idea of using our journals as our accountability partners. This has been one of the greatest gifts I've given myself.
Discovering how to use my journal for accountability has helped me accomplish some amazing things. Last year, for example, I created and stuck to a monthly budget, implemented a six-month evening yoga routine, planned my meals each week, completed both my Master Gardener certification and a nonprofit management certification, strengthened relationships with the people who matter most to me, and read 59 books - the majority of which were nonfiction and fiction by non-white authors. And that's all in addition to my 9-5, taking care of my home and family, and pursuing a bunch of hobbies!
Learning to use my journal as an accountability partner not only helps me make sure I do the things, but it also gives me a place to acknowledge and celebrate my successes and learnings. And it gives me a place to work through what's going well and what I can do differently. When things feel sticky, I can use my journal to identify the friction and make a plan for how I'll move forward.
I love being able to show up for myself. And I love that this is something we all can learn to do, even if it doesn't come intuitively to us.
Learning to use our journals as our accountability partners is one of the hallmarks of my group program, Better You, Better Business.
Better You, Better Business is an 8-week program that uses journaling as the mechanism for transformation. Together we'll:
identify opportunities for growth and change
build and reinforce foundational habits to help you succeed
make a plan, break it down into reasonable chunks, and take action
recognize and celebrate your growth and progress
work through obstacles, stumbling blocks, and limiting beliefs
learn to be your own accountability partner so your growth is lasting and sustainable
And so much more.
We start on Monday, July 25, and we're saving a spot for you. I invite you to book a call with me this week to learn how more about the program and how you can claim your spot!
Weekly Journal Prompts:
Use these prompts as written or as inspiration to uncover what you need in your life this week.
What is my goal?
Why is it important to me?
What action(s) did I take to move myself closer to my goal?
What have I learned in the process?
Did I honestly try my best?
What is my next step?
How will I celebrate my accomplishments?
One Journaling Idea I Love:
Journal prompts.
They're one of the most effective techniques for journaling.
At the core, a prompt is an idea of what to write about, often phrased as a question, such as in the section above.
Prompts are great for getting started writing when you're staring at a blank page, digging deeper, and to open our creativity.
Prompts are especially useful for folks who have high access to anxiety, shame, and sadness, because they provide a safe container to explore our thoughts without spiraling into dangerous territory of excess negativity.
A good journal prompt is one you can go back to over and over again and keep learning about yourself.
Did You Hear the News? My New Program is Here!
Better You, Better Business is an 8-week program designed to help business owners, solopreneurs, side hustle hustlers, and those with entrepreneurial spirit use journaling as the mechanism for growth, change, and transformation.
In a safe and supportive small group setting, we’ll:
identify opportunities for growth and change
build foundational habits to help you succeed
recognize and celebrate your growth and progress
work through obstacles, stumbling blocks, and limiting beliefs
take action
learn to be your own accountability partner so your growth is lasting and sustainable
All while giving you the accountability and community you need.
Participants in my groups can tell you this experience is magical.
Not only did journaling with Amanda and the group shift my relationship to writing, but also I connected with some amazing people on a surprisingly deep level. Amanda knows just how to hold space for a group like this. I think SHE is magic!
- Emily C.
[Amanda] does in fact create magic by helping you think through various journal prompts, asking insightful questions, and creating a safe, vulnerable space to share your thoughts. The connections I made with myself and the others in the class were meaningful, powerful and lasting.
- Cecily T.
Want to hear more? Book a call with me!
Where You Can Find Me:
I recently appeared on the Go Terri Go podcast
I share journal related content on LinkedIn every day by 8 am Eastern. Visit me there for stories, journaling ideas, and more!
I have a website! Visit me at GoodThingsComeToThoseWhoJournal.com
I’m always reachable by email.
My teenagers are doing their best to avoid me on TikTok…
Happy Journaling!