Is somebody watching you? - your comments

In last week's newsletter I rambled on about the power of accountability when it comes to getting things done. Here's the gist of what I had to say:

I’ve been following a fitness regime twice a week for the past three years and besides helping me maintain a reasonable level of fitness, it’s a constant reminder of two key things:

1. You do much more when someone’s watching
2. A regular action creates a habit

...Left to my own devices, my commitment to fitness would be sporadic at best. If I felt low on energy I’d probably choose to rest; if it were pouring with rain, I’d wait until tomorrow (and then be too busy). I’ve always enjoyed exercise, but until I recruited someone to watch over me, I’d never truly committed to it.

I invited readers to share their own experiences on this topic and the responses were fabulous - thank you to all those who emailed - just scroll past the little panel of ads and have a read.

Robert Gerrish

11 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

Early, every Friday morning, I meet with two friends who are all pursuing very different solo careers, (career counselling, fashion and property) to discuss goals, what steps we need to achieve them and if there is any assistance we can offer each other to make sure it happens. We all have different backgrounds and strengths so we can hold each accountable as well as challenge each others thinking and approach. We also lean on each other if we have any mid week crisis'. It's cheap, only the cost of coffee and garaunteed you don't get lazy and sleep in on a Friday. Andrea Warr from Sydney
For me, having my own coach is the push I need to get things done. I've found that I not only get more accomplished, but I'm challenged to have a bigger vision for myself and my company. When you work alone, it's so easy to focus on the little administrative tasks that can gobble up so much time. When I know that I've committed to certain goals with my coach, it's much easier to pick up the phone or write an email to make some of those hard marketing pushes.
Accountability is key and having someone there for that purpose does wonders. Katie Mattson from Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
Having just commenced my business a month ago, the best tool I have is networking. Research the best groups to belong to and make the effort to go to events. Although you may have to push yourself, the gains far outweigh the initial worries. Hazel Theocharous from Sydney, Australia
It helps to have a coach or group to stay focused, I meet up with a group of friends rain, hail or shine four times a week. I use my group as leverage to get myself out of bed. We have a penalty system which works very well for us - if you arrive after 5:00am it's your turn to buy breakfast. Aaron Brice from Perth, Australia
Get away from the desk, take those weekends, yes all of them! Get those priorities in order. Keep your time orderly. Use a diary, make lists and make work time fun and eventful. Your customers and clients will thank you for it. Dale Lovett from Bunbury, Australia
I work from home and religiously kick off my day by planning it in my local coffee shop. It gives me a social boost, a caffeine boost and a focussed to-do list that I love to tick off. Amanda Woolridge from Queenstown, New Zealand

11 comments | Add your own 1 2 | Next» View all»

Add Your comments

Preview comment

Name

Website *

Town / city and country

Email (never sold, displayed or given away)

* This will link your name to your site. So please avoid self promotion elsewhere! We delete spam, disrespectful or off-topic comments.