When you’re starting a new habit, it becomes much easier if you have someone to keep you accountable. This can be a friend with whom you’ve started the habit together or a certified coach who can help you identify your excuses and make sure you don’t give up on yourself.
As mentioned before, an accountability coach is a trained professional who helps you set clear goals and stick to the timelines you have set for yourself. They will help you resolve any challenges you face on this journey and make sure you are in touch with why you are doing all this in the first place.
The best time to choose an accountability coach is when you are just setting off on your journey towards building a new habit or achieving a new goal and need someone to directly guide the way. An accountability coach can teach you how to implement the concepts and practices of whatever it is your are striving for.
They can also help you with the following:
- Set realistic goals in alignment with your long-term vision
- Periodically review and measure the progress you have made
- Remind you to celebrate small wins
- Assess the setbacks that prevent you from reaching your target and help you overcome them
- Cheer you on and help you get back on track if you ever fall off the wagon.
No matter what habit you are trying to build or break, you can find yourself a certified coach from this directory of accountability coaches.
When you are new to this journey or sticking to a goal and prefer to learn and improve as you go along, it is best to choose an accountability coach in this situation. Here are some tips to keep in mind while choosing one:
1. Find someone experienced in your niche
An accountability coach need not have achieved the same goal as you did. But if they are trained in psychology and have worked with enough clients with the same dreams, they can definitely help you in your journey.
2. Ask them about their coaching style
Some coaches approach their coaching sessions in an organized manner, while some prefer to go with the flow. Some tend to be strict while others are more accomodating.
Knowing your coach’s style before committing to working with them can help you determine whether it aligns with what you are looking for. Ask your prospective coach the style they prefer and then introspect if that is the kind of support you are currently looking for.
3. Ask what tools and methods they use
Some believe weekly calls work, while others operate mostly via texts. Some prefer to give you a lot of assignments and homework, while others work best when you are the one asking questions.
When you know the style of your accountability coach aligns with what you currently need, you can make better use of the support they offer. You need to know if the tools they use resonates with you and fits with the kind of support you are looking for.
4. Have a consultation call with the coach
A clarity call or a one-on-one consultation with the coach before you start working together can be of great value when you are getting started on your journey. Aside from asking the questions above, here are some other things you can determine on a consultation call:
- Their pricing and if it matches your budget.
- Their availability and whether they can be in touch at the times you need them the most.
- Whether their personality and talking style lifts you up and provides further motivation. In short, do you vibe well with them?
5. Assess their success rates
Go through the testimonials your prospective accountability coach has and do a quick check-up on their success rates. If possible, reach out to a past client and talk to them about their experiences. Coaching, after all, is a big investment, and you want to make sure you get the most out of it.