Let’s face it: the struggle to stay accountable is real. Whether you’re trying to finish that novel, stick to your workout routine, or actually show up on time for your friends—sometimes you need a little extra push. Here are 7 tips to keep you on track and save your friendships (and your sanity).
1. Treat Your To-Do List Like It’s a Life-or-Death Situation
Okay, maybe not life or death, but come on, your to-do list is the adult equivalent of a treasure map, and if you don’t follow it, you’ll never find the treasure (a.k.a. success). Make your to-do list a living, breathing thing. Set deadlines, check things off like you’re crossing off prisoners from a list, and reward yourself with something nice—maybe a nap or that extra cookie.
2. Channel Your Inner Drill Sergeant
Imagine you’re a coach, but for yourself. If you catch yourself procrastinating, picture your drill sergeant self yelling: “Get off your phone! This isn’t a social media break; it’s a project break!” Accountability starts with being firm with yourself. Get tough. You wouldn’t let a friend slack off, so don’t let you slack off. (But no yelling—you don’t want to wake up the neighbors.)
3. Commit to Being Your Own Best Friend
If your friend says, “I’ll totally help you move this weekend,” and then ghosts you on moving day, you’d be pretty upset, right? Now apply that same level of disappointment to yourself. If you say, “I’ll get that email done today,” and then ditch it for a Netflix binge, you’re basically ghosting your own responsibilities. Be loyal to your commitments like you’re the best friend you’ve ever had!
4. Set Goals That Are Actually Achievable (No, ‘Save the World’ Isn’t One)
We all know the classic “I’ll write a novel in a week” goal. Spoiler: it’s not happening. Break things down into bite-sized, realistic goals. Want to clean your apartment? Start with “Put dishes in the sink,” and build from there. Treat your goals like a Netflix series—each episode needs to be completed before moving on to the next one.
5. Make It Public (Or Just Tell One Person Who Won’t Let You Off the Hook)
Nothing makes you feel more accountable than telling someone what you’re up to. Tell a friend, a co-worker, or your cat (just make sure the cat listens). If someone knows your plans, there’s a much higher chance you’ll actually follow through. No one wants to be the person who’s like, “Yeah, I was supposed to write 2,000 words today, but I spent the last 3 hours online shopping.”
6. Turn It Into a Game (Because Everything’s Better with a Challenge)
Gamify your accountability. Set up rewards for yourself (hello, snacks and Netflix breaks) and penalize yourself for procrastinating (goodbye, scrolling through Instagram). You don’t have to be a professional gamer to understand that completing levels is more fun than facing the consequences of not doing it. Plus, your Project Completion Level will look pretty good on your stats.
7. Forgive Yourself (But Don’t Make a Habit of It)
Look, you’re human. You’ll slip up. Sometimes Netflix wins, sometimes you ignore your goals like they’re that one friend who always texts you at the wrong time. That’s okay—just forgive yourself and get back on track. But don’t make a habit of it! Accountability isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being consistent (most of the time).
So, there you have it! Stay accountable to yourself with these hilarious, yet totally doable tips. Your projects—and relationships—will thank you for it.
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