Are You Getting It Done? Five Accountability Strategies That Work

by Rochelle Melander

Writing can be like folding a banquet-sized tablecloth; you can do it yourself, but it’s a lot easier when you can find somebody to help. —Ted Kooser and Steve Cox

What stands between you and a finished product—a book, article, blog post or podcast?

When I speak to people who have a deep desire to finish a project and can’t seem to do it, they cite many reasons:

+I don’t have enough time.

+I don’t know how.

+I’m not sure I’m a good enough writer.

+I’m confused on how to get it published.

+I don’t have anyone to hold me accountable.

As a writing coach, I can help people overcome most of these challenges in just one session. But one of these hurdles requires ongoing support: accountability. When it comes to starting and finishing projects that are new or difficult, it helps to have someone to hold you accountable.

If you’re struggling to keep writing with all of life’s other demands, here are five ways you can find accountability:

1. Make a deadline pact. Years ago, Chris Baty started National Novel Writing Month to give writers a deadline, the one element he believed writers needed to succeed. Create a deadline pact with another writer. Promise that by a certain date you will each write 50,000 words, finish a project, or complete a portion of a manuscript. To make it more fun and easier to succeed, make a bet. Maybe the loser must write a check to the winner’s favorite charity.

2. Create a critique partnership. Professional writers study great writing to learn how to best tell a story. When we invite others to read and critique our writing, we expand our understanding of good writing. We also learn where our blind spots are. From complex comments on structure and voice to technical lessons on commas and run-on sentences, a good critique will strengthen our writing. Find a colleague who is at about the same writing level as you are, exchange manuscripts, and give each other feedback.

3. Challenge a friend! A few years ago, a friend and I were talking about how tough it was to write while all that fun social media kept popping up on our screens. So we made a deal: for one month we’d abstain from social media and online surfing until noon each day. That friend and I remain accountability buddies, emailing each other every Monday about our progress.

4. Sprint! I first heard about writing sprints at a library write-in. In a writing sprint, the writer races against the clock (and often another writer) to amass as many words as possible in a short amount of time. Find a friend online or meet in person and compete to see who can write the most words in ten to twenty minutes.

5. Find a Mastermind Partner. For years, I’ve met with small mastermind groups and individuals for accountability in both my business and my writing. These connections helped me to leap forward when all I really wanted to do was crawl. During these meetings, we would ask each other the same questions:

+How did you do on last week’s goals?

+What do you want to accomplish for next week?

+What support do you need to make that happen?

Because of these regular meetings, I stay focused on my goals and complete more of my projects.

Your turn: How has connecting with others helped you to write more? Share your ideas below!

Try it! Many of my clients use my individual and group coaching to help them stay accountable. The Writing Accountability Group has room for a few new members (2-3). If you’re interested in joining us, ign up here: WORKSHOP.