When accountability backfires

 Accountability is supposed to be one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated. 

Now, is this really the case? 

For those who lack motivation... 

Can accountability actually help? 

In order for accountability to help, you gotta apply it properly. 

Because sometimes, accountability can actually backfire. 

Many people think the key to motivation is to just get an accountability partner. 

Report your results to them and then, somehow, everything will work out. 

But research shows this can potentially backfire IF someone doesn't have a clear picture of what this relationship is going to look like. 

If you are going to seek external accountability, ask someone you care about to hold you accountable for a specific part of your goal (i.e. timeline, first steps or certain targets). 

Here's other ways accountability can backfire. 

A University of Chicago study found that people who set a goal, but encountered negative feedback early on, were less likely to achieve their goal. 

It's important to have positive feedback when you begin anything new. 

Now here's where things get interesting. 

Even positive feedback can have a negative impact if it's not done properly. 

Here's why. 

There is a difference between having someone in your corner who will tell you how great you are and having someone who will give you honest feedback. 

When you have a big win, it's okay to get praise. 

However, avoid 'empty praise' like "You're awesome!" Instead, make sure your partner points out the specific actions you took. This helps reinforce those actions going forward. Plus, they can ask, "What can you do even better next time?" 

I suggest you try this new accountability approach. 

Paul