Get Yourself an Accountability Partner.
I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions, but I am a believer in evaluating where you are and where you want to go. Every January, I review my year and create my “Do – Be – Have” list—a simple three-column system that helps me set direction and intention.
Last year, “Have a mentor” was on my list… and I didn’t accomplish it. But when I looked at it again, I realized something important: I don’t actually need a mentor. I know what I want and how to get there—what I really needed was accountability.
And as it turns out, I already had an accountability partner.
Kim and I met through online courses, bonded through encaustic and creative business, and for years have talked weekly about goals, creativity, and progress. What keeps us moving isn’t hierarchy or guidance—it’s commitment. When I tell Kim I’ll finish something by next week, I do it. Accountability makes the difference.
Research backs this up: making a commitment to someone increases your chance of success to 65%. Scheduling a specific accountability meeting increases it to 95%.
Accountability partners are easier to find than mentors—and often more effective. The key is choosing someone you trust, respect, and feel connected to. Your partner doesn’t need to do what you do; they just need to be honest, reliable, and invested in your success (and you in theirs).
Tips for choosing and working with an accountability partner:
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Pick someone who shares your values and communicates well with you.
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Set clear goals and outcomes.
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Agree on weekly or biweekly check-ins.
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Get specific about actions, deadlines, and rewards or consequences.
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Test the partnership for a few weeks before committing long-term.
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Revisit goals every quarter and adjust as needed.
There’s no perfect structure—only what works for you. What matters most is the partnership that keeps you moving toward the life and work you actually want.
Would love to hear what your experience has been with accountability partners. Let me know in the comments below.
Be well….be creative,
Clare
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Thanks for this great article, Clare! The specifics about what you and your accountability partner do is especially helpful–something that is left out of too many articles on this topic. I have a three quasi-accountability partners in that we do share our goals/dreams and what we are working on, bounce around ideas, and stay in touch, but it’s not structured. In all cases, we’ve talked about making it more structured, so perhaps I will move forward with that. All the best for the new year!
Hi Lee Anne….yes, get more structure to it. These types of groups are invaluable when it comes to moving forward. It’s funny, I’ve been thinking about a mentor for years…..and as it turns out….all I really need is something that I’ve already got. With a little more structure…..imagine how useful this group will be to all of you! Good luck and keep me posted.
Awesome article! Thanks so much for sharing.
You are very welcome Linda. So glad you liked it.
Thank you. I’ve thought about this for years and realize I have an ideal accountability partner in my sister who is also an artist, and yet we don’t have this structure in place and that missing piece is probably more important than I realized. Am going to contact her today about adding some structure to our accountability. To make it work better.
This is perfect Nancy. Yes…..the structure helps move things along consistently!
Really like these specific tips on this subject! I will be on the lookout for an accountability partner now with all of this in mind. Thanks!
That is awesome Sara. It’s really a game changer!
“1. Find someone you trust to be your accountability partner. Think about if you have the same values, can be available when you are available, communicate in a way that is similar to you, isn’t afraid to call out your B.S., and has your best interests at heart.”
Wow, this just sums it all up for me. It’s number 1 for a reason, and if the trust and willingness is there for both of you, the partnership will be solid – even if it eventually takes a different shape, or if you have conflict, or it (someday) dissolves. It’s the foundation of all that follows.
And I think that’s what’s missing with all these “Mastermind” offerings and Mentorship offerings: I’m quite sure these people are great – but the trust isn’t there to begin with; as a prerequisite. You’re literally walking into a group of strangers – and every one of the Masterminds that I’ve done in my earlier years didn’t last long, because the *trust wasn’t in place first.* It’s like trying to build a house – without first laying a foundation.
Anyway, I do have someone like this to confide in – and even though she lives many states away, we have implicit trust. We try to talk every week, and we review our projects and businesses, and also personal stuff, too. We’ve had (rare) conflicts, and when we do, we know the strength of our mutual trust can bear the weight of it. It takes work, and devotion, to sustain such a rich relationship. And it’s totally worth it.
You are absolutely right Gail. I’ve tried the mastermind thing too and it’s always fallen a little short. So glad you have someone to confide in!
Thank you Clare that was a wonderful arrival and very helpful for me. Makes me think about who I can trust and respect and vica verca for my partener. All food for thought. Have an amazing 2019
Aileen
Thanks Aileen. Hoping your year is amazing as well.
Perfect article for the start of the new year thank you so much Clare for sharing it. Now I will also share it with my studio mates it will definitely help us stay focused. Happy new year from Carmel California
So glad it will be a benefit to you and your studio mates Koko! Happy New Year to you as well.
I am printing this and going in search of an accountability partner today!
Awesome article, thank you👍
Love to hear this! Good luck on your search. I tried a couple of people before I found the one that stuck. So don’t get discouraged. You have to go down certain paths to see if they are right. Once you feel it’s not working, get out fast and find another.