Achieving Your Goals With an Accountability Partner

June 23, 2023
# min read

At TheraHive, we know firsthand that moving toward your goals isn’t a cakewalk. That’s why we take the journey together as a Hive (what we call our small learning groups). But your Hive mates don’t have to be your only companions, supporters, or cheerleaders. We’ve found that our students often benefit from having external support. In this post, we’d like to introduce you to the concept of an "accountability partner."

An accountability partner is a reliable friend, family member, or fellow student who can support you in staying committed to your learning journey. Their role involves providing motivation, offering emotional support, and gently reminding you to prioritize your studies.

The benefit of an accountability partner

  1. Maintaining motivation: Encouragement and reinforcement from your partner can help boost your morale and drive.
  2. Offering support: During challenging periods, your partner can provide emotional support and guidance.
  3. Ensuring focus: A timely reminder from your partner can help you stay on track with your study schedule.

To establish a successful accountability partnership, consider the following steps:

  1. Choose your partner carefully: Select someone dependable, supportive, and who understands your goals. Expertise in your field of study is not required, as long as they are committed to your success.
  2. Clarify expectations: Communicate what you need from your partner and what they can expect from you in return.
  3. Set a check-in schedule: Arrange regular meetings to discuss your progress, address challenges, and make necessary adjustments.
  4. Express gratitude: Acknowledge your partner's support and celebrate your achievements together.

Support Request Template

Before engaging an accountability partner, it is essential to inform them about TheraHive and our courses. Below, find a template email that you can customize to reach out to your proposed partner (or, view as a Google Doc):

Dear _[Name]_

I’m reaching out because I’ve recently decided to take an online course to learn important (evidence-based) skills to improve my life. The course is
[insert # here] weeks long and involves self-paced content, home practice, and weekly live sessions with a group of students. 

As part of the program, they recommend finding an “accountability parter” that can help me stay focused and stick to the program through completion. I’m reaching out to see if you’d be open to being such a partner for me?

You don’t need to have any experience with behavioral skills. This is more about checking in with me each week to ensure I’m absorbing the content and practicing the skills. I know you’re super dependable, so I’d love your support!

[Set Expectations & a Time]
Meeting once or twice a week for 15 minutes would be super helpful. I’d report on my progress, and you could provide me some guidance if I’m running into issues. Periodic text message check-ins will help me keep on track if you’re open to that.

[Express Some Gratitude]
Thank you for considering this request, your support means a lot to me. And, I’m excited to share some of what I’m learning with you! Of course, if there is another way for me to return that favor, please let me know! In the meantime, you can learn more about the program at therahive.com

Thank you!

_[Your Name]_

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