The importance of having an accountability partner is often overlooked as to most people, the concept of an accountability partner is foreign. The truth is that a lot of you already have accountability partners but it is a relationship you sort of fell into and so it has no formal definition. Yet, the role an accountability partner plays in our life is often a sensitive one and one that requires trust. It should be a relationship that is entered into intentionally. To discover how to choose an accountability partner, carefully consider some issues I will raise in this post.

This is a weekly WAHM-e Post. To discover what the weekly wahm-e is all about, visit this page. Although this is focused mainly on work at home mums, the principles work for everyone else regardless of whether you are a young executive, a business owner or a student. Having an accountability partner means that you are surrounded by a person (or people) you can trust to be real with you.

What is an Accountability Partner?

First of all, it is important to know for sure what an accountability partner is. For a more detailed explanation, read this post. In a nutshell, an accountability partner is that person that helps you to keep on track. You share your dreams and goals with that person and as you go through life, he/she helps you stay true to yourself and can draw your attention when your focus is shifting from the goal. This person also offers encouragement and is there to cheer you on when you achieve your milestones. Ideally, this should be a reciprocal relationship.

Why Do I Need One?

Although everyone needs an accountability partner – that person who will always tell you the truth in love – for a work at home mum (WAHM), the need for an accountability partner is more vital. This is because as a WAHM you are more or less isolated; no colleagues to discuss things over with, no boss to keep you going. Therefore, you need someone who is also in your unique situation; that is another WAHM to share dreams with and to exchange encouragement with.

What to Consider when Choosing an Accountability Partner

There are several things to consider when choosing an accountability partner, and make no mistake you should choose your partner. You need to consider if you trust this person; if you share core values and if you are generally of similar minds. If you are also WAHMs, it would help as you would both understand where the other is coming from. Next week’s post would be on 5 things to consider when choosing an accountability partner.

Learning how to choose an accountability partner is an important step in growing as a person and in your goals. You could decide to have one accountability partner, but the fact is it could also work in a group situation. Just make sure that you are all on the same page, in your hearts and in your beliefs.

If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to Sharon’s Reservoir, or sign up for the twice monthly WAHM-e newsletter.