Why an Accountability Partner is Your Secret Weapon for Side Hustle Success
When you’re working a full-time job and building a side hustle, keeping motivated and finding time can be a significant challenge. That's where having an accountability partner can really help. In this post I am going to share my journey with my accountability partner, Moira, and explain why this partnership has been a game-changer for my side hustle.
It started when I decided to offer free time management coaching to my Instagram followers. Moira, a mature student juggling part-time work and her degree, was the first to volunteer. Despite being on opposite sides of the world—Moira in Australia and me in the UK—we connected and began working together.
For about a year, Moira and I met weekly. She was wanting to manage her time better and successfully balance her studies and part-time work. Our coaching sessions helped her achieve her goals, and during this period, we discovered we both had aspirations of building a successful side hustle.
Once Moira completed her degree and our coaching relationship naturally concluded, I suggested that we continue meeting as accountability partners to support each other’s side hustle goals. Moira agreed, and we changed our meetings to a fortnightly schedule. This frequency worked well for us, allowing sufficient time to make progress on our goals whilst keeping us on track.
How Our Meetings Work
Setting Short-Term Goals
In each meeting, we set specific, actionable goals for the next two weeks. We each decide on our own goals and both of us make a note of them.
Reviewing Progress
We discuss the successes and challenges of achieving the goals set at the last meeting. This includes looking at measurable outcomes, like Instagram followers or email list numbers, but also sharing personal wins and hurdles.
Coaching Each Other
With our backgrounds in coaching, we offer advice and support, reminding each other of techniques and strategies we've learned from programs like Natalie Bacon’s Grow You, which we were both a member of.
Beyond Business
What I love about our relationship is that it extends beyond our common goal of starting a side hustle. We share personal stories and take an interest in each other’s lives, making our partnership not just about accountability, but also about friendship. Even though we’ve never met in person, I feel that our regular meetings have built a strong bond and I regard Moira as a good friend.
The Power of Accountability
Why is having an accountability partner so powerful? It's not just about having someone to answer to; it's about having a partner in your journey. The regular check-ins keep you motivated and disciplined. When a meeting is approaching, you’re driven to complete your tasks to avoid letting your partner down. When I know that we’re about to meet I check on my goals to see if I have achieved them or not. If the answer’s no then I make a concerted effort to do so in the time leading up to my next Zoom call with Moira.
Why You Should Consider an Accountability Partner
If you struggle with procrastination (and who doesn’t?) or need an extra push to stay on track, an accountability partner is invaluable. My partnership with Moira keeps me motivated, helps me feel supported and gives me a sense of responsibility that helps me make consistent progress in my side hustle, particularly when I’m feel dispirited.
Having an accountability partner like Moira has been instrumental in my journey. I encourage you to find someone who shares your goals and can offer mutual support. Together, you can achieve more than you ever could alone.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to overcome procrastination and achieve your side hustle goals? I have a cheat sheet that delves into why you procrastinate, offers mantras to keep you motivated, and provides practical strategies, including finding an accountability partner. Grab your copy here.