Why You Didn’t Hit Your Goals This Year — The Key You’re Missing -Emily Salzman
We’ve all been told how important it is to set goals, but here’s the reality check: Goal-setting alone is overrated. Setting goals without a real accountability system is like building a house without a foundation — it might look solid at first, but it won’t last. In fact, most goals fail not because they’re poorly set but because there’s no one there to ensure follow-through.
Think about it — Growing up, structured support systems keep us on track with teachers, milestones, and clear expectations. But in the working world, these fade, and without them, it’s easy to feel stagnant despite our best efforts.
After a few years of full-time work, I realized I was hitting work milestones but wasn’t moving toward something personally meaningful. That’s when I understood the problem: I had no system to push me forward. So, I started setting my own goals, which reintroduced structure and control into my life. But I soon learned it’s not just setting goals that matters — it’s how we follow through on them.
Everyone knows about SMART goals, but the truth is that even the best goals lose traction without the “X-factor”: accountability. The built-in systems of grades, awards, and external check-ins are gone. To succeed, we need to build our own.
Why Accountability is the Missing Piece
In my experience, the year I saw the most progress was when a few friends and I formed a “Goals Group.” We met at least once a month to set goals, check progress, and support one another. Knowing each other’s goals allowed us to offer encouragement, share ideas, and hold each other accountable. We set goals in areas like Financial (no, this is not taboo; sharing mindshare will only make you better off), Professional, Personal, Hobbies, Relationships, etc. We also started group challenges like Dry January and the 75 Hard Challenge, which created friendly competition and kept us engaged.
Having a group that expects updates created a powerful push to stay on track. When I faced setbacks, sharing them with the group opened opportunities for collective problem-solving. And when we achieved our goals, we celebrated together, strengthening our motivation as a team.
Your Call to Action: Build Your Accountability Group
Setting goals is just the beginning. Real progress happens when you’re held accountable every step of the way! Here’s how to start:
- Build a group with trusted friends or colleagues who share similar goals.
- Schedule regular check-ins.
- Track each other’s progress.
- Hold each other accountable.
- And make it fun!
By surrounding yourself with driven, goal-oriented individuals, you’ll find the inspiration, support, and motivation to push through challenges. Setting goals is important, but achieving them with a team that celebrates each milestone alongside you makes the journey more rewarding and sustainable.
What’s your experience with accountability in achieving goals? Have you tried an accountability group?
Emily Salzman champions community and business growth with a proven track record as a catalyst. She excels in fostering expansion through strong relationships and co-founded the “FENIX” professional network, advocating for women’s empowerment. Emily’s experience spans diverse roles, showcasing her expertise in fostering expansion and her commitment to wellness and community development.
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn.
https://www.signitt.net/network?source=post_page-----968d1dec7f24--------------------------------
