Have you ever had a goal or dream that just kept getting pushed to the side? Maybe you want to get healthier, advance in your career, or finally start that passion project—but somehow, taking action never quite happens.
It’s easy to tell ourselves we’ll begin when the “right time” comes, or maybe we’ve tried before and struggled to stay consistent.
The truth is, having a goal is one thing, but following through is another. That’s where accountability coaching comes in.
An accountability coach helps keep you on track, pushing you forward even when motivation wanes or self-doubt creeps in. As more people recognize the value of external support, accountability coaching is becoming an increasingly popular tool for success.
If you’ve ever wished for a little extra guidance and encouragement to stay committed to your goals, accountability coaching might be exactly what you need.
What is accountability coaching?
Accountability coaching is a coaching practice that helps you set goals and make a plan to achieve them. Your accountability coach provides motivation, encouragement, and accountability in order to keep you focused and stay motivated as you progress.
Accountability coaches generally start with an introductory call that will help them understand what you’re trying to accomplish, how you’ve approached this in the past, and the situation you’re currently in.
They engage with their coaching clients to discuss progress, maintain a consistent schedule, and keep you accountable. They may use phone calls, video calls, messaging, or emails. At times, they’ll also provide you tools and tips for goal setting, habit building, and productivity.
The coaching industry emphasizes the importance of certification from recognized authorities like the International Coach Federation (ICF) to enhance credibility and skills.
The difference between these types of coaches and accountability coaches is that, with specialized coaching, you’re generally working toward a specific goal in a particular area. In these cases, the coach is either an expert in a very specific field or someone who has recently accomplished a similar goal.
Instead of staying focused on one specific type of goal, a dedicated accountability coach concentrates on your overall goal process and to do lists. They should be focused on regular check-ins, motivational strategies, and holding their clients accountable.
Other types of coaching often rely on showing you the steps to success, acting more as a teacher. Accountability coaching focuses on discussing your progress, and helps you overcome obstacles along the way.
How can an accountability coach benefit me?
An accountability coach’s main purpose is to help you achieve your goals by supporting you to perform better and deliver more consistently. The heart of accountability coaching revolves around two things: you telling them what you want to accomplish and them following up with you, making sure you’re moving towards that direction. This constant feeling that someone is monitoring your progress encourages you to take action. In fact, research shows that reporting progress to someone else significantly increases the likelihood of accomplishing a goal compared to only self-monitoring.
Having someone check in with you is key to the power of accountability coaching. If you find it challenging to follow through on commitments to yourself, you may be more successful following through when someone else is counting on you. Think about your experiences at work, school, or in your personal life. Many of us are reliable when others depend on us, but we sometimes fall short when only we are holding ourselves accountable.
Besides that, an accountability coach can also provide you with:
- Extrinsic motivation by nudging you when you feel unmotivated or lazy
- Encouragements by being personal cheerleaders when you’re doing well
- Emotional support when you’re struggling
- Tips and tricks related to goal achievement, productivity, and behavior change
- A third party perspective when you need help with brainstorming solutions
What kind of things can an accountability coach help you with?
So, what kinds of goals can an accountability coach help you achieve? The possibilities are endless, from improving daily habits to accomplishing your long term vision.
The right coach can help you:
- Overcome procrastination
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthier
- Advance your career
- Achieve financial goals
- Learn a new skill or language
- Improve time management
- Develop a consistent routine
- And more!
At Habit Companion, we’ve seen our clients accomplish some amazing things. Whether they want help with short or long term goals, we’ve helped people get out of ruts, complete the process of purchasing their own home, modify their sleeping habits to wake up earlier, build up their endurance to run their first 5K, and take the steps to build their businesses.
What kind of things can an accountability coach NOT help you with?
Accountability coaches expertise can help you succeed in a number of ways. However, there are things that are beyond their ability.
These include deeper emotional or mental issues that extend past simply staying consistent. Some of these issues require therapy and are beyond the scope of what an accountability coach can provide.
Certain goals, such as changing compulsive behaviors like quitting smoking, drinking, or gambling, would probably require something beyond an accountability coach. A trained and licensed professional or service who works with these types of compulsive behaviors would be much better suited to assist you.
While an accountability coach can help you achieve your goals, it won’t guarantee your success. This type of coaching is another productivity tool, and just like any tool, the results that you get are under your control. However, unlike other productivity tools, there’s a human element to it that makes it much more likely to help you achieve your full potential.
How to find a good accountability coach
Accountability coaching is still relatively new, so it can be challenging to find a credible coach. While Habit Companion offers its own coaching seAccountability coaching is still relatively new, so it can be challenging to find a credible coach. While Habit Companion offers its own accountability coaching services, there are many other ways to find the perfect coach.
You could look at an online coaching directory, or you could find a freelancer using platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. You could even use Google Maps to find local accountability coaches near you and find someone who is willing to meet in person.
No matter how you find a coach, be sure to thoroughly vet them. There are many inexperienced or untrustworthy coaches out there. When considering a coach, make sure to do the following before signing up for any paid service:
- Read reviews. Many sites will feature feedback from others who have experienced a coach’s services. Good reviews are often a reliable way to gauge whether a service is trustworthy.
- Review their website and listed services. You want to have an understanding of what the coach is going to provide you. For example, you may be looking for weekly calls, but the coach might only offer monthly sessions.
- Check for a free trial of their services. Some coaches allow you to try their services for a week or month, giving you the opportunity to evaluate their service without taking on any big financial risk. At Habit Companion, we do the same. We want to make sure that our clients really want to work with us, so we give them a month-long trial to test us out, and many continue beyond that initial month.
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Conduct your own discovery call or send the coach a message. If the coach is unwilling to have a call with you before you purchase their services, that’s a red flag. When on a call, it’s important that to ask the right questions:
- How many clients has your potential coach worked with?
- What kind of success have their clients achieved?
- What does their process look like?
- In what way do they interact with you? Calls, messages, emails?
- How often do they engage with you?
- What exactly happens in the first month after you sign up?
Using this method, you’ll have a better understanding of which coaches you can trust and which ones will be wasting your time and money.
Common Misconceptions About Accountability Coaching
Here are some of the most common misconceptions about hiring an accountability coach:
- Accountability coaching is only for individuals who are struggling: This is not true. Accountability coaching is beneficial for anyone who wants to achieve their goals, regardless of their current level of success. Whether you’re already successful or just starting out, an accountability coach can help you reach new heights.
- Accountability coaching is a one-size-fits-all approach: In reality, accountability coaching is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals. Coaches provide a personalized approach, ensuring that the strategies and support you receive are specific to your situation.
- Accountability coaching is too expensive: While there is a cost associated with accountability coaching, it can be a valuable investment in your personal and professional development. The return on investment can be significant, as coaching helps you achieve your goals more efficiently and effectively.
Accountability coaching is only for entrepreneurs and business owners: Accountability coaching is beneficial for anyone who wants to achieve their goals, regardless of their profession or industry. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone looking to make a personal change, the right coaching relationship can help you grow and succeed.
How much does an accountability coach cost?
The pricing and packages for accountability coaching vary depending on the coach, the coaching practice, and the level of service required. For more information, check out Habit Companion’s pricing page.
Here are some common pricing models:
- Individual coaching sessions: These typically range from $100 to $500 per session, depending on the coach’s experience and expertise.
- Package deals: Many coaches offer package deals that include 3-6 sessions per month, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,500 per month. These packages often provide a more cost-effective option for ongoing support.
- Monthly retainer: Some coaches offer a month to month model, with prices ranging from $70 to $2,000 per month. This model provides continuous access to coaching services and support.
- Annual contracts: For those looking for long-term support, annual (year to year) contracts are available, typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per year. These contracts often include a comprehensive coaching plan and regular check-ins.
It’s essential to find a coach who offers a pricing model that fits your budget and meets your needs. Be sure to ask about any discounts, promotions, or package deals that may be available. Investing in accountability coaching can be a significant step towards achieving your goals and transforming your life.
Conclusion
Accountability coaching is a powerful tool that can help turn your goals into reality by providing structure, motivation, and support. Whether you’re looking to improve your habits, advance your career, or accomplish a major life milestone, having someone to keep you accountable can make all the difference.
While success ultimately depends on your commitment and effort, the right coach can help you stay on track, overcome obstacles, and push past self-doubt. If you’re ready to stop procrastinating and start making real progress, investing in accountability coaching could be the key to unlocking your full potential.