How to set boundaries
LISTEN IN APPLE PODCASTS | LISTEN IN SPOTIFY | LISTEN IN STITCHER
Raise your hand if you’ve ever set a big, exciting goal for your best year yet—only to find yourself falling short or losing steam somewhere along the way. It’s okay; you’re not alone. A lot of us have been there, and it can feel discouraging. But here’s the good news: the problem isn’t that goal setting doesn’t work for you. The truth is, the missing piece is something most of us overlook—accountability.
In fact, did you know that having an accountability partner increases your chances of success by a whopping 95%? That’s nearly a guaranteed win! And accountability isn’t just important for reaching your goals—it’s also a game-changer for setting them in the first place. When you know someone is counting on you to follow through, it creates that extra push you need to get started.
As we gear up for a brand-new year, there’s no better time to embrace accountability, whether it’s from a friend, coach, or mentor. And speaking of getting ready for the new year, if you’re looking for support in setting goals that stick, I’ve got something really special coming up—my annual Ready. Set. GOALS! workshop happening December 10th, 11th, and 12th. Tickets are on sale now, and I’ll share more about that later in the episode.
For now, let’s focus on the power of accountability and how it can be the key to making this your best year yet.
So today, we’re talking about:
- The surprising ingredient that can make the difference between setting goals you abandon and achieving goals you’re proud of.
- How having the right kind of support can turn past goal-setting frustrations into unstoppable momentum.
- Simple yet powerful ways to bring accountability into your daily life and start seeing progress immediately.
- Why reflecting on your past and planning with accountability could be the key to making 2025 your most successful and fulfilling year yet.
Why Set Goals for Your Best Year Yet
Alright, let’s start with a question. Have you ever caught yourself saying, “Why bother setting goals? I never stick to them anyway.” Or maybe you’ve thought, “Goal setting just doesn’t work for me.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In fact, in Episode 251, we talked all about the five mental blocks that hold us back and how to fix them. And one of the most common mental blocks is exactly that: the belief that “goal setting just doesn’t work for me.”
This block usually shows up because of past failures. Maybe you’ve set goals before, only to fall short—or you’ve felt like the whole process is too overwhelming to begin with. Over time, those experiences can lead to discouragement and the belief that you’re just not cut out for goal setting.
But here’s the truth: it’s not that goal setting doesn’t work for you. The problem is that you’ve likely been trying to do it all on your own—without the missing ingredient of accountability.
Why Accountability is the Missing Ingredient for Your Best Year Yet
Think about it: how many times have you set a goal, only to let it slide because no one else knew about it? Or because there wasn’t anyone there to encourage you when things got tough? It’s not that you’re unmotivated or that you’re bad at following through. It’s simply that we’re not meant to go it alone.
And here’s where accountability comes in. Accountability isn’t just about holding yourself to a standard—it’s about inviting someone else into the process. Someone who can encourage you, cheer you on, and gently nudge you back on track when you need it.
Here’s the really powerful part: accountability isn’t just important for reaching your goals—it’s just as crucial for setting them. Because let’s face it: sometimes the hardest part of goal setting is actually sitting down to do it.
Life gets busy, distractions pop up, and before you know it, another year has gone by without a clear plan. But when you know someone is counting on you to set your goals—whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a group—you’re far more likely to make it happen. Accountability makes the process feel less overwhelming and more exciting, because you’re not doing it alone.
That’s one of the reasons I created Ready. Set. GOALS! – my annual goalsetting workshop —to give you that built-in accountability during the goal-setting process. During the workshop, I’ll guide you step-by-step through setting meaningful goals, and you’ll have the support of a community cheering you on every step of the way.
And once your goals are set, accountability doesn’t stop there. Having someone to check in with regularly—whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a mentor—keeps the momentum going. With accountability, you’ll feel more motivated to stick to your plans, navigate challenges, and ultimately cross the finish line.
So, if you’ve ever felt stuck by that mental block of “goal setting just doesn’t work for me,” I want you to know this: it’s not you. The missing piece has been accountability. And the good news is, you can change that starting today.
Now that we’ve talked about how accountability is the missing piece to both setting and achieving your goals, let’s dive into 5 practical ways you can bring accountability into your life.
How to Find Accountability
The great thing about accountability is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. There are so many ways to make it work for your personality, your schedule, and your goals. Whether you prefer one-on-one check-ins, a group setting, or something a little more structured, there’s an accountability method out there for you.
Let’s start with one of the simplest and most effective options:
1. Find an Accountability Partner
This could be a friend, family member, or colleague—someone you trust to check in with you regularly. The key here is consistency. Schedule a specific day and time each week to connect. Use that time to share your progress, talk about any challenges you’re facing, and outline your next steps.
Knowing that someone else is paying attention to your progress can make all the difference. And it doesn’t have to be formal or time-consuming—a quick phone call or a voice memo exchange can do the trick.
2. Work with a Coach
If you’re looking for more personalized guidance and support, working with a coach can be a game-changer. A coach provides not just accountability, but also expertise to help you set realistic goals and develop a solid plan for achieving them. They’ll hold you accountable to your goals while also helping you troubleshoot and stay focused when life gets busy.
I’ve seen this firsthand with my time management coaching clients. It’s not just about having someone to report to—it’s about having someone who’s invested in your success and there to celebrate your wins along the way.
3. Join a Group or Community
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by like-minded people who are working toward their own goals. In a group or community setting, you’re not just accountable to one person—you’re part of a collective energy that keeps everyone moving forward.
For example, in the It’s About Time Academy community, we start each week by sharing our top priorities and then celebrate our wins together on Fridays. This simple practice creates a sense of shared momentum that motivates everyone to show up and do their best.
If you’re someone who thrives in a group setting, a workshop like Ready. Set. GOALS! could be the perfect fit. You’ll not only set your goals with guidance and structure, but you’ll also gain a community of accountability partners who are just as invested in your success as you are.
4. Share Your Progress
Sometimes accountability is as simple as putting your progress out there. Share updates on your goals with a small group of trusted friends, in a mastermind group, or even on social media.
When you celebrate your wins and talk about your challenges openly, it creates a sense of commitment—not just to your goals, but to the people cheering you on. Plus, hearing their feedback and encouragement can spark new ideas and keep you motivated.
5. Build Accountability into Your Schedule
If finding a partner or a group feels like too much to start with, you can still hold yourself accountable by creating regular check-ins on your own calendar. For example, set aside time each Sunday evening to review your progress and plan the week ahead.
But here’s the catch: even self-accountability works better when you share it with someone else. Let a friend or mentor know about your weekly check-ins, and ask them to follow up with you about what you accomplished.
How to Get Started with Accountability
The key here is to start somewhere. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, finding a coach, or joining a community, adding even a small layer of accountability can completely change how you approach your goals.
And if you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where Ready. Set. GOALS! comes in. This workshop is designed to give you the accountability you need to set meaningful goals and stick to them. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a group of like-minded women who are all working toward their best year yet.
Next, we’ll talk about how accountability can shift your mindset—from feeling discouraged by past failures to feeling excited and determined to make this your best year ever.
How Accountability Can Change Your Mindset
If you’ve ever felt discouraged by past goal-setting failures, I want to pause for a moment and acknowledge that. It’s hard when we’ve set our sights on something, worked toward it, and then fallen short. Those experiences can leave us feeling like goal setting just isn’t for us—like we’re destined to stay stuck in the same place, year after year.
But here’s what I want you to know: past failures don’t define your future.
The truth is, those discouraging moments aren’t proof that you can’t set or reach goals. They’re proof that the process you used in the past wasn’t set up for your success. And that’s okay—it’s something we can fix.
One of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is this: instead of seeing your past failures as roadblocks, start seeing them as opportunities to do things differently.
This is where accountability becomes a game-changer. Accountability isn’t just about checking off a box or reporting progress—it’s about having someone in your corner who believes in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.
When you feel like giving up, accountability gives you the push to keep going. When you feel stuck, it gives you a fresh perspective and a way forward. And when you finally cross that finish line, accountability is there to celebrate with you, making the win that much sweeter.
This shift from discouraged to determined starts with taking one simple step: inviting accountability into your life.
Maybe it’s asking a friend to sit down with you for a goal-setting session.
Maybe it’s joining a community where people are working toward similar goals.
Or maybe it’s signing up for a workshop like Ready. Set. GOALS!, where you’ll have guidance, structure, and a built-in support system to help you succeed.
Your Goals Are Worth Fighting For
Here’s the thing: your goals—no matter how big or small—are worth fighting for. And you don’t have to do it alone.
Imagine what it would feel like to end this year with a clear plan for what’s next, knowing that you’re supported every step of the way. Imagine looking back this time next year and seeing how far you’ve come, all because you invited accountability into your process.
It’s possible, and it starts with that mindset shift—from discouraged to determined.
Accountability is the secret ingredient that can turn your goals from a fleeting thought into a powerful reality. It’s not just about reaching your goals—it’s about setting them too. And when you combine accountability with intentional time for reflection and planning, that’s when the magic happens.
Join us for Ready. Set. GOALS!
If you’re ready to bring accountability into your goal-setting process and plan your best year yet, I’d love for you to join me for Ready. Set. GOALS!, my annual goal-setting workshop happening December 10th, 11th, and 12th.
This three-day event is all about reflecting on the past, dreaming about the future, and creating a plan you’re excited to follow. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Day 1: Reflect and Celebrate. Together, we’ll look back at 2024 to uncover your biggest wins, the lessons you’ve learned, and what you want to carry forward—or leave behind—in 2025. This step is all about gaining clarity and honoring your progress.
Day 2: Set SMART Goals. On Day 2, we’ll turn your dreams into actionable, achievable goals using the SMART framework. You’ll leave with clear, focused goals that feel realistic, exciting, and meaningful.
Day 3: VIP Day – Big Picture Year Planning. For my VIPs, this is where the magic truly happens! I’ll guide you through my Big Picture Year planning process, helping you map out your entire year in just two hours. By the end, you’ll have a high-level plan for 2025 that’s inspiring, actionable, and customized to your priorities.
Whether you join for Days 1 and 2 or upgrade to the VIP experience on Day 3, this workshop gives you everything you need to start 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a plan that fits your life.
This is your opportunity to carve out intentional time for yourself, reflect on the past, and set goals that truly matter—with my guidance and the support of an amazing community. You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re ready to make 2025 your best year yet, mark your calendar for December 10th, 11th, and 12th, and grab your spot for Ready. Set. GOALS! For all the details and to save your seat, head to annadkornick.com/goals. And if you’re ready to take it to the next level, join me for the VIP experience on Day 3—I can’t wait to see you there!
Resources Mentioned:
- Ready, Set. GOALS: a 3-day live goal setting workshop to have your most exciting, intentional year yet
- FREEBIE: 250 Inspired Goal Ideas for 2025
- Grab your 2025 Big Picture Year Calendar
- It’s About Time Academy
Related Episodes:
Be the first to comment