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There’s an African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” It’s a testament to how partnership and accountability leads to success.
Accountability works for many reasons.
First, by making it easier to obtain your goals. With accountability, you’re less likely to veer off track. A good accountability partner helps you remain disciplined and motivated. If you have fallen off course, they are there to help pick you up and regain momentum.
Having someone to help you avoid mistakes is another plus of accountability. While you may be emotional around the circumstances in your process, accountability partners often have an objective view. They can see your blind spots and therefore will help you avoid irrational decisions. It’s ideal to have a partner who has already met the goal you’re going for. They can reveal the ins and outs of the road ahead to better prepare you.
SEE ALSO: Here’s Why You Aren’t Meeting Your Well-Being Goals (And How To Finally Change That)
With accountability also comes improved performance. Think of the top performer in your industry. It’s likely they have a coach or counsel (aka an accountability partner). Natural talent can only take one so far. Technique, endurance, skill, and wisdom all come from being paired with one who can reinforce your strengths and remedy your weaknesses.
Those who have accountability are also more likely to save time and money than those without. There will be time saved in figuring out the next steps and strategy towards your goal. Also, money saved in choosing the right investments and purchasing the right tools.
In both professional and personal settings accountability helps you follow through. When you have one who constantly holds you to your word you are less likely to be unproductive.
The Bible also admonishes having accountability in one form or another.
Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
James 5:16 advises, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, the author shares, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm”.
Deuteronomy 32:30 states, “One can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to flight.”
Also, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
A biblical story of accountability and partnership in action is in Exodus 17. The Israelites were at war with the Amalekites. As long as Moses kept his staff lifted, Israel had the advantage. When he lowered his arms, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’s partners, Aaron and Hur accompanied him. Verse 12 explains, “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” As a result of Moses’ accountability, Israel gained victory that day.
As you work toward your goals, remember there is strength in numbers. Find accountability and support in those near and watch how far you go.
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