Let’s start with the harsh reality - setting goals is easy. We all do it, most of us several times a day. I’m going to do X, Y and Z. But sticking to these goals? That’s another matter entirely. We’ve all experienced the initial excitement of starting a new habit or striving towards a big milestone, only to find our motivation waning after a few weeks, *cough* days. At uRoutine, we believe that the key to long-term success lies in making our goals accountable. But what is accountability and does this really work, or is it just another productivity buzzword? In this article, we’ll explore just that – accountable goals, habits and routines, the power behind them and why they can be so effective. So, if you’re looking to set some goals this year that you would like to achieve, read on.
What Are Accountable Goals and Habits?
Accountable goals and accountable habits are commitments we make to ourselves and others – sometimes more formally, with a structured system of tracking, reviewing, and adjusting our progress – and other times less formally by simply sharing the commitment with others. Unlike vague intentions, accountable goals should always involve a clear action plan, deadlines, and accountability mechanisms that help you stay on course.
An accountable habit, on the other hand, is a repeated action reinforced by consistency, measurement, and external or internal reinforcement. It’s the difference between saying,
“I want to read more books” and committing to reading for 20 minutes daily, tracking progress over time, and sharing milestones with a friend or community. Both are just as valuable and can be applied in different ways. For example, you are unlikely to set yourself an accountable habit of running marathons – this is likely to be a one-off goal. However, you might build a recurring habit into the mix of running 5km three times a week. Success rates of both one-off goals and habits can be improved, dramatically, with accountability.
The Science Behind Accountability
Psychologists and behavioural scientists have long studied the impact of accountability on goal achievement. There are lots of stats out there that we could present you with, but we’ve selected one in particular here to show the science and research, which suggests that we are far more likely to follow through on our commitments when we share them with someone else. A 2019 study published in the
Journal of Applied Psychology found that individuals who wrote down their goals, created action steps, and shared them with a peer had a significantly higher success rate than those who kept their goals private.
The concept of accountable goals is also backed by social psychology. When we make a commitment in front of others, we experience social pressure to stay consistent with our words. This is known as the “commitment and consistency principle” proposed by psychologist Robert Cialdini. By leveraging this natural human tendency, we can use accountability to drive better results in our personal and professional lives.
How to Set Accountable Goals
Great! So, accountability is powerful, and backed up by science. What now? Well, to truly benefit from accountable goals, you’re going to need a structured approach. We are building a world-first social accountability app for routines, goals and habits, launching soon. Scroll to the bottom of this article to register your interest today. Here are some effective steps that we would recommend to setting accountable goals:
1. Set SMART GoalsThe SMART framework is an acronym which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It forms the foundation of accountability. Instead of saying, “I want to get fit,” an accountable goal would be, “I will exercise for 30 minutes, five times a week, for the next three months.” Explore
this goal methodologies article for a few alternative frameworks to SMART goals.
2. Track Your Progress – RegularlyTracking is essential for accountability. Whether we use a simple notebook, a mobile app (hint: use uRoutine when we launch), or project management software, regularly reviewing your progress is going to help to keep you focused and motivated.
3. Find an Accountability PartnerWe feel like this is a given but we’re obviously including this. In order to set accountable goals, finding an accountability partner, or group of people, is going to be key. As highlighted, one of the most effective ways to ensure success is to involve someone else in your journey. An accountability partner could be a friend, coach, or colleague and they can provide support, encouragement, and gentle reminders when you falter.
4. Set Up External Accountability MechanismsPublic commitment can be an even more powerful motivator. Announcing your goals on social media, joining an accountability group, or using online platforms that track habits can increase your likelihood of success. This is what uRoutine is all about. Explore this to help further encourage those goals.
5. Review, Adjust and AdaptThe great things is that accountability doesn’t mean rigidity. Life is unpredictable, and sometimes our initial goals need adjustment. Regularly reviewing your progress and adapting as needed helps maintain momentum without feeling discouraged by setbacks.
How to Build Accountable Habits
So, we’ve covered accountable goals – what about accountable habits? Well, while setting goals is a critical first step, real success comes from building sustainable habits. The great news is that if you’ve covered off goals, there’s a shorter second step. So, here’s how you can cultivate accountable habits and build a routine:
1. Start SmallWe know, we know – someone once said
“go big or go home” – well, we disagree. Habits are built through repetition, so starting with small, manageable changes increases the likelihood of consistency. If your goal is to write more, committing to 10 minutes a day is far more sustainable than aiming for an entire chapter in one sitting.
2. Use Habit-Tracking Tools and AppsThere are plenty of apps designed to help us track habits and maintain consistency. Whether it’s a simple checklist, a streak-based app, or an AI-powered assistant, technology can play a crucial role in keeping us accountable. And if you want to tie accountability into the mix then you won’t have to wait long – uRoutine launches soon!
3. Link Habits to Existing RoutinesOne of the most effective ways to build new habits is to attach them to existing ones. This method, sometimes referred to as habit stacking, makes it easier to integrate new behaviours into daily lives. For example, if you want to start meditating, you could do it immediately after brushing your teeth in the morning.
4. Acknowledge and Reward ProgressPositive reinforcement strengthens habit formation. So, don’t be afraid to celebrating small wins – whether through a self-reward, words of affirmation, or simply acknowledging your progress. This acknowledgement and reward is going to help to reinforce the behaviour. Just make sure you aren’t rewarding success with a counteracting reward (ie. 7 days without a cigarette does not mean treating yourself to a cigarette as a reward!).
5. Embrace Social AccountabilityFinally, joining a community or working with an accountability partner can significantly enhance habit formation. Social reinforcement ensures that we stay on track and receive motivation from like-minded individuals.
Common Challenges in Accountability
While accountable goals and habits offer a strong framework for success, there are some regularly seen challenges that we would recommend being aware of. We have collated together the most commonly seen challenges and suggested ways to overcome them:
1. ProcrastinationEven with an accountability system in place, procrastination can creep in. It is one of the most common reasons why people fail to reach their goals or complete their habits. You can combat this by breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting micro-deadlines, and using the “two-minute rule” – this is where starting an activity for just two minutes is said to help overcome inertia. Just do it!
2. Lack of MotivationMotivation fluctuates naturally over time – this is entirely normal so don’t overthink or worry too much about that. Easier said than done, we know. However, this is one area where accountability can help keep momentum. Revisiting the ‘why’ – the reason behind the goals you have set – can reignite drive and determination. Regular check-ins with an accountability partner also provide external motivation.
3. The Fear of FailureSometimes, people resist accountability because they fear not meeting expectations. The fear of failure can be enormous for some people, whilst others are better at not letting it affect them. The reality is that failure is a natural part of growth. Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than defeats helps maintain resilience and continue progressing. Embrace it!
4. OvercommitmentSetting too many goals or too large a goal can lead to burnout. Focusing on a few key priorities will ensure that you stay committed, without feeling overwhelmed. Quality over quantity is essential in building sustainable habits. After all, it’s better to under commit and overdeliver than to overcommit and underdeliver.
So, Do Accountable Goals and Habits Really Work?
Based on both research and real-world experiences, accountable goals and habits are proven to be more effective than self-directed goal-setting. The blend of social reinforcement, structured tracking, and consistent progress evaluation makes accountability a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
At uRoutine, we have seen in our research and testing how incorporating accountability into goal-setting transforms outcomes – and we can’t wait to share our app with you soon. Whether it’s launching a startup, maintaining a fitness regimen, or learning a new skill, having systems in place to hold ourselves accountable makes the difference between fleeting motivation and long-term success.
So, do accountable goals and habits work? Absolutely – but only if you commit to the process. By setting clear goals, using accountability tools, and leveraging social reinforcement, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving what you set out to do. But remember, accountability is not about perfection – it is about consistency, adaptability, and commitment. By embracing this mindset, you can transform ambitions into tangible achievements. Are you ready to take control of your goals and build habits that stick? Start today and make accountability your greatest ally.
