They say that all successful endeavours (programs, products, businesses) were once nothing more than an idea – so today I want to present you with an idea:
In last Thursday’s post – Eight Steps to Getting out of that Rut - I spoke about the notion of using an Accountability Partner; someone to help you stay focused, objective, proactive, positive and productive on your journey. I also talked about the value of channelling your energy into something (a project) or someone, other than yourself. The truth is that (1) from time to time we all need a coach to kick our butt, answer our questions, listen to our concerns and support us through a challenging time and (2) we can all benefit greatly by investing our time, energy, knowledge and compassion into the lives of others; taking the focus off us for a while. By helping others we actually help ourselves; the perfect win-win relationship.
Well, these two factors seem to have pushed some buttons with a few of you and have given rise to an idea. A bunch of comments and emails have told us a few things:
1) Some of you struggle from time to time to keep doing what you need to reach your goals and could benefit from having your own Accountability Partner… but finding one is easier said than done.
2) Some of you would like the opportunity to ‘give back’ and are interested in being able to coach, mentor, support (be an Accountability Partner for) someone who needs some help… but you don’t necessarily know how to make that happen.
3) Some of you may want to support someone else while seeking out an Accountability Partner of your own (even coaches need coaches) at the same time.
With this in mind, we (Webmaster Johnnie an I) are currently considering developing some kind of forum to make this happen; a cyber-place where you can find an Accountability Partner, or become one for someone else.
But wait….
But before we explore the idea any further or invest too much time, energy or creative juice, we need to establish the level of interest (or disinterest) from our readers in such a concept. This is not a commercial idea in any way, shape or form but rather a chance for people to help or be helped. No strings, no catches, no agenda; just an opportunity to do some good and be selfless – a crazy notion I know.
Because we have a truly global audience (we’re currently at about 40,000 visitors per week), there’s every chance that you would be partnering someone on the other side of the world – how cool would that be?
Interested?
If you are interested in (1) finding an Accountability Partner to help you reach your goals or (2) becoming an Accountability Partner to help someone else on their journey, simply click on the comment thingy (don’t be a chicken) and voice your interest. If you have any thoughts, ideas and / or suggestions we would GLADLY welcome your input and help. Goodness knows, we need it!
If there’s enough interest (need), then we’ll find a way to make it happen. Imagine being able to do good, help a stranger and genuinely make a difference without even leaving your house; volunteer work from your keyboard – too cool.
Love this article? Sign up for my FREE Email Newsletter today to receive more articles like this, and my FREE Ebook!
{ 119 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Craig
Perhaps if all interested parties provided a profile of themselves those wanting an AP could choose on the basis of the profile?? Just a thought. I also thought the chat room was a fantastic idea. Is that really hard to set up? Then everyone could be a live support group for each other.
I’m so happy you are progressing this
I would really like to be someones AP. I’m much better at helping others than helping myself (easier really
SLH
Hey Craig,
A long time no chat. Please count me in. I would love it.
Dee
Top idea Craig! I’d definitely be interested in finding an accountability partner and helping anyone if possible!
I’m saying YES!!!
Sign me up, please! I definitely could use a bit of help with accountability, and would consider it a privilege to help someone else out, too. It would be very cool to do that with someone from some faraway place.
Count me in!
Hi Craig/Johnnie
Good Day!
I believe God sent you both to this universe for many good/great
reasons:) and believe too majority of the visitors of this blog knows;
including me of coz and for
sure God Knows:)
I was like falling in love at the first sight when started visiting yr blog few months back, after that fall in deeply
First time sending across my comment as really cant resist to keep quiet only as past…
My view – this not only could..but definitely will benefit many, this is a very kind and fantastic idea.
Cant wait to read on others comment
and really keeping my finger crossed for this to launch sooner possible(Tks in advance Craig/Johnnie)
Btw, Craig, My interest is (1st)for now and (2nd)after.
Cheers and Keep Up The Great work!
I think it is a great idea! I am part of the Moderators group for a site in Romania that has women as the main target, and I have seen how committed the girls are to sticking to a diet for example, once they have found an accountability partner. They are always eager to give and receive suggestions and it even gets them into some sort of competition.
It’s good for traffic as well, if the forum is kept uncluttered, spam-free and user-friendly. Keeps visitors coming back, among other things
Anyway, love your site man! Keep up the good work!
I’m in. I think it would be a great learning experience from either perspective! -Alane
Yes!! I need an accountability partner! Someone who will REALLY hold me accountable. I’ve tried this with my boyfriend but it doesn’t work… whenever I suggest pizza he thinks it’s a great idea!
Craig, i think you can add “idea’s man” to your list of titles…
Great idea and I could love to help others, keep focused and get to their goals!
Where do I sign up?????
I’m in for both!
Great idea
Hi SLH – you’re in. Thanks for your suggestions. Not sure about the chat room thing – we’ll look into it…
Okay Pip – you’re on the team. You’re doing great with your goals – by the way. Well done.
You’re counted Adam… cheers
Hi ‘ME’ and thanks for your kind words – I’m glad you enjoy the site and hopefully it makes a difference in your life. We’ll do our best to get the concept us ASAP.
Here, have a Craig hug ( )
Hi Anon from Romania – thanks for the thoughts and the ideas – can you please do me a favour and email me via the site – so Johnne and I can ask you a couple of tech questions? That would be great – thanks..
Hi Lauren – Hmm, I don’t know that the ‘boyfriend AP’ is a good idea!!
You’re in.
Hi Yummy Mummy – some people are idealists, I’m a idea-ologist!
I’ll let you know how it’s gonna work over the next day or five! (a few small tech issues to sort – like how to do this!!)
Thanks for putting up your hand.
Hi Kat – your name is on the list!
Enjoy your day.
Me too, me too!
Hi Lisa. Okay, Okay!
Absolutely, Craig!
Hey Matthew – you’re in Dude.
Count me in!
I have always thought that a forum would be an excellent addition to your site because of the high level of interactivity with visitors.
Reading your blog this morning answers one of the prayers I have been sending out in recent days – how to give back to people / the community. Please count me in on both accoounts!
Karen, Adelaide
I’m in Craig…. for either…
Fantastic idea.
Pet
xoxo
You’re in Ally..
Hopefully it adds value to the site and value to people’s lives Trish – cheers.
Hi Pet.
You’re in.
Thanks for my kisses and hugs – nobody else gives me cyber-love like you.
xx
Count me in. I believe I can benefit by giving and receiving……giving in the area of weight loss etc and receiving in relation to my business & blogging goals.
by the way have you had a chance to check out the photos?
Leanne Magraith
Hi Leanne. You’re in. Checked out the photos – yep, you look awesome – maybe we should share those photos with my readers?
Lemme know…
I have a couple of people that I consider to be my mentors/accountablity partners and the difference they have mad in my life has been awesome. The opportuntiy to be able to give back and be an AP for someone else is unbeleivably exciting…
Count me in!
Amanda B – Melbourne
Toot, toot. You’re on the AP train Amanda B.
Cheers.
Hi Craig
I love the idea i really need someone to make me accountable towards my goals and i would also love to help someone else be accountable!!
Count me in!!
Leanne Melbourne
Hi Craig
Long time lurker and follower of your blog.
I would love to have and also be an Accountability Partner.
Kelly
Thanks Craig. No problems with sharing the photos. I hope that I can help (maybe even inspire) others who want to lose weight and get in shape.
My previous lifestyle consisted of drinking large amounts of alcohol, lots of chips and other junk food and very inconsistent exercise. I figure that if I am able to create “forever change” in my life then so can others.
Pip – I had a look at your blog. I worked through many similar issues too. Keep up the good work.
Leanne Magraith
Hey Craig!
SaiF here! I am actually already doing this but more on a group basis =)
Count me in too!
Btw, Craig may I suggest using a Ning network? It’s easy to use, to organise and it’s open source as well. It’s like a Facebook in itself! You can see what I mean here :
The Gratitude Journalists Network
Hope that helps you Craig!
To CANI,
SaiF
The World’s First Teen
Personal Development Video Blogger
You’re in Leanne from Melbourne…
Lurk no more Gingerquilts – you’re on the train – nice to meet you
Thanks Leanne – I’ll let you know when… cheers
Hi Saif – thanks for the tip Buddy.
You’re in…
hello craig,
this is a great idea. I would definitely love to be an AP for somebody and also have one for myself.!
~Navneet
I would love to be involved. I think the trick will be to align the right people together….maybe some form of group forum initially and let people work out who suits them best…..and then make it easy enough for people to change or to have multiple AP’s as required.
Cheers, Tania (Adelaide)
Hi Navneet, welcome aboard…
Good thoughts Tania – thanks for being part of it..
Please count me in. I would like to be a part of this.
please count me in. i would like an accountability partner please.
You’re in B.
Hi Craig,
Count me in. A thought I have had for a while which can add value and enhance this is like your book slot you could look at a “my story” slot whereby people share their stories (not necessarily weightloss only). Very often we think we are unique in our challenges however there are many people who can be encouraged by our stories.
Just a thought
Have a great day
Cheryl
Hi Craig
I would really love an accountability partner. The first time I ever wrote to you I told you I was only writing to you because I didn’t have anyone else to tell. That hasn’t changed and neither has my determination.
I would be happy to be an AP to someone a bit further down the track once I get my proverbial in one sock.
Love your work.
Gunna
hi yes i am interested in your forum thingy just so long as its easy to use.
Hi Cheryl.
Nice thoughts – you’re in.
You’re in too Gunna…
Hi Julie – we’ll do our best to make it Julie-friendly (and Craig friendly)…
Hi Craig,
I’d love to be able to help someone! This is such a great idea and look at all the support already!
cheers
Viv
Viv the helper – you’re in. Thanks for putting up your hand.
Hey bud…..
I’m in on both counts…..
And…. I can always throw in a free massage…..
Be good.
See you soon…..
Oliver rocks!!!!!!!!!
KK
XXXXXXXX
I’m currently doing this with my coaching but I need all the help I can get and give back at the same time. Please count me in!
Mike
(from California)
Hey Kate – AP and massage?
Quite the deal for your partner!
( )
You’re in Mike…
Accountability partner! What a great idea! I’m in.
Okey Doke Corina… you too!
Hi Craig
Do I want an accountability partner? Yes. Do I feel I could be someone else’s accountability partner? Yes.
Count me in
Diarmuid
Thanks Craig. I’d like to be an Accountability Partner and use an accountability Partner. please sign me up.
Marty
You’re in Marty…
Craig-
Sounds like a great idea! I agree with slh in doing a profile thing to help us choose AP’s. Count me in!
Doug in New Mexico
I too would like to put my hand for this one – to both help provide accountability for another striving for their goals and to have someone encouraging me along my path.
Katherine
Lonodn (ex Melbourne)
I’d love to participate on both counts… having an accountability coach/partner and being one.
Craig, Since i was introduced to your website last week – the first thing i do when i start my computer in the morning is head straight to your website.
I think you are incredible and would seriously be inerested in this forum.
Dr Doug is in….
Okay Linda… you’re on the AP train too
Hi Anon. Thanks for the kind words. We’ll know how it’s all going to work next week…
Welcome and nice to meet you.
Reporting for duty SIR!.
Hi Craig,
Sounds like a fantastic idea. I’ve often thought about getting a life coach, or seeing what exactly that would entail anyway, as I often feel I need someone to just push me that bit further out of my comfort zone but also to remind me how to believe in myself again when I forget and that I can achieve more than my self-imposed limitations. Dont know how this forum will work yet or whether its even right for me, or how much time (on the computer) it will entail but I could definitely maybe be interested
Being someone elses AP could be great down the track definitely.
Hey, whats the deal with your workshop…is that photo for real, looks like a rock concert, lol! As enticing as it all sounds I’m wondering if i’m in the right place for something like this right now? I mean, thats no easy content for one day!
Don’t forget me!
The very late Lisa Jane!
xox
Reading this a bit late … but I love the idea. Helping someone else & being helped? Awesome!
Sus
Hey this list is getting loooong!!
Great idea.
I know from the GYST that it will work.
Count me in!!
~Di~
Apologies for being late – only just found the post
Never been on the site before – it’s a great resource, full of useful ideas / thoughts. 
My problem though has always been carrying these through, so YES, I’d love an accountability partner. Having said that, I would hope that I could provide the same for somebody else – give and take
Good job – let us know where/when to sign up?
Cheers
Helen
I’m supposed to be studying, just watched a DVD with you(Craig) presenting some topics, checked out your web site, been reading your articles and havent stopped laughing since..by the way am in early 40′s,single, as in unmarried and therefore recently been asked if I am gay(not that there’s anything wrong with that of course!)and have a few funny fart stories up my sleeve, love being a girl though get how at times being a boy can have its advantages, no second guesses as to which articles have caught my attention and I guess my digression away from my study towards your “words of wisdom” may be the equivilent of cleaning out my sock drawer rather than geting down to what I am supposed to be doing. Looks like I could be a prime candidate for your Accountability Partner project so pls count me in. Cheers
I’ve been co-coaching with someone in my town for 1.5 years. It has been invaluable to us.
Great idea.
Craig, I need an accountability coach goodly
I think this is a great idea. To be motivated to accomplish something other than sit and waste time in front of a computer. Count me in.
Michele says, yeh count me in for both. Great idea. It helps to get the thing or idea to help. I recently saw a dvd that really helped me start eating plant based foods. I am losing weight, feeling better, getting compliments. What fun, Michele
WillCMars here,
Living in Louisville, and I’m totally looking for an AP!
I’m interested in helping someone and being helped in return.
Hi Margaret. Jump on to our forum (menu option – top left of page near my photo) and you can get under way…
WOW, I was just talking to someone about having an accountability partner and he was saying how hard is it to find someone you can trust. So I go online and this is what I find. So Cool! I’m in both ways!
Hi Craig
Love to be part of this group! Look forward to finding out how it works … also great website!
cheers
Teresa
Hi,
I’d love the chance to help and be helped.
Bring it on!
Suu – Newcastle
I’ve been looking for just this thing. I do need someone that can commit to being kind but tough rather than easygoing, since I’m very motivated by not “getting in trouble”. (Must be something about my upbringing!) And I would be happy to do the same for someone else — being tough or easygoing for them, whichever they prefer.
Hi Mary – just head to the forum – click on the menu option – top left, home page… cheers.
This is a great idea and I would like to participate. I work from home and it is sometimes very difficult to stay motivated and on task. Having someone to answer to for productivity and milestone achievement would be a huge benefit. How can I sign up? If anyone is interested in jumping the gun and getting an early start send me a note. stans801@aol.com.
Hi Craig
Sounds great. Why work by yourself when you can work as a team? There’s no “I” in team – no wonder it’s more fun.
Looking forward to your workshop in Adelaide this weekend coming.
Cheers
Kain
I would like to apart of it.
I think it is good when people don’t feel alone on their journeys, and having accountability can be helpful. Perhaps, the most important thing to know when choosing partners is that both people believe in and value the goal at hand. Now I hope to be involved soon!
27 m CA Christian looking for an accountability partner. Thank You.
jcrad@christfirst.net
Hello Craig! This is my first visit. I hope it’s not too late for me to sign up to be an AP for someone.
Toni
very interested and fully committed to becoming and having an accountability partner if given the opportunity .
Hey Craig, I am totally interested in having an accountability partner to hold me to my goals, and to have my butt kicked to the wall when I do not achieve them or fail.
21 male, Ont. Canada
e-mail: wierdbean@hotmail.com
This is my first visit to your site. I Googled “online weight loss accountability partner” because I need help in that department, and that led me to your site.
I’ve thought about using a friend or relative, and have even done that before, but I think that I would be more motivated by being accountable to someone who won’t worry about losing my friendship!
I’m going to keep checking back with you to see if you get this off the ground.
Thanks for taking our input!
I need an accountability partner as well, and would love to be yours! email me.. destinynickell@gmail.com
Am I too late. Got back from my honeymoon that day. Must have missed your post. Wasn’t allowed to read your emails whilst I was away, I think my new hubby gets a bit jealous of how many emails I get from you.
Is anyone still looking for a partner? If so I am too….
sky.kyra@yahoo.com
I think it’s a cool idea. I created a forum not for profit, but I haven’t really promoted it yet. Wish I had an accountability partner. I’m doing everything by myself. My cousin found a girlfriend so he’s out of the picture most of the time now. I used to bug him a lot about the technical stuff.
YouTube Partner in Your Life
Great idea!
I am in need of an online accountability partner!
Hi Megan,
I’m up for one if you would like to chat and see if we are a good match. My email address is sky.kyra@yahoo.com
Please count me in! I’d love to team up with someone serious about this ASAP to do a weekly email accountability check in.
Thanks! Hope you go forward on the forum!
Hi Meg,
If you haven’t found anyone yet, please feel free to contact me at sky.kyra@yahoo.com.
I’m not a spammer, I am a real woman, in my early 30′s always looking for accountability partners, because generally they are hard to find and often don’t stay the course.
For anyone else out there who may read this,
I am always looking for a partner, no matter how much time has passed from this posting. Please feel free to send me an email at sky.kyra@yahoo.com.
Have a great day!
Perfect idea! There is currently no site that offers this, that i know of…
Hi,
I have been looking for an Accountability Partner for some time I just didn’t know how to start or where to look for someone who would be willing to do something like that. I really would like to find an Accountability Partner as soon as I can so that I can keep on top of everything and also someone who is willing to give some advice every once and a while. If anyone is willing to be that partner for me I would greatly appreciate it! My e-mail is freels@goldmail.etsu.edu
Thanks!
Hello Hello!
I am looking for someone who is interested in being accountability partners for each other or someone who is further along the path would like to be an accountability partner for me.
Having some of the following would be great:
- life-long learner
- relatively cool, creative and grounded
- generally inspiring / positive-minded
- oriented in the truth while being supportive and kind
- growth oriented
- well educated
I feel like I have the qualities above. Please feel free to write at any point in the future if this sounds interesting. I have had difficulty finding people who want to do this.
Thanks! And good luck on your journey!
e-mail: doc.mizz at gmail dot com
Hi Craig, this sounds like a great idea! would definitely be up for it…
exactly what I am looking for
I NEED AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER but can’t find one :[
So did this accountability forum ever get started? I see there have been comments since 2008. I am an artist who is a Christian who is having trouble following through with art project goals. Would love to have a daily on-line check in accountability partner.
I really need an accountability partner …. and would love to be one for someone else!!!! I know its been awhile since anyone has posted but I think this is a great idea …. If anyone is looking for an accountability partner for weight loss please email me @ Amaya7214@yahoo.com …. Hope to hear from someone soon