In Praise of Accountability Tools

You already know what to do. Where most fail is turning a bolt of inspiration to the day-in-day-out grind of discipline and habit formation. Accountability can be a game changer (if you're serious).

If you've been following me, one of my three intentions for 2024 is to focus on compounding. I've already had a few failures where I tried to develop a new habit, only to have life get in the way. Whoops. Back to zero.

Still. No matter how often I fail at things, I'm stubborn enough to keep going. I can thank my mom for that. Apparently, this trait is genetic.

Recently, I've had a lot more success in keeping my commitments. I think I can attribute this improvement to one goal-tracking app that I downloaded in July.

I know, I know! I can almost hear you shaking your head while asking: Do you really need an app to check a box to say you did X, Y, or Z today?

It turns out, yes. Yes, I do.

External accountability is a powerful force. Many professional development seminars try to incorporate some form of ongoing check-ins to reinforce what one has learned.

But external accountability doesn't have to involve a person. It could be an app with daily alerts that nudge you, reminding you to do what you have already committed to.

Two days ago, I saw this Tweet by Hiten. So, I checked in with my tracking apps to see how I was doing.

I'm happy to report that I've had 65 straight days of targets hit!

Even better—some of these habits have taken hold so strongly now that they feel like full-blown habits already. I could probably delete them from the app and cycle new ones on.

Still, I will go for at least 90 before I rotate them in. I want them to be ingrained in me and not take a chance. Not when these habits are life-changing for my health and well-being.

So, if you have yet to give one, there are dozens to choose from. It's less about which one and more about picking and sticking to what you already know to do. And you do already know. Just gotta do it (90 days in a row).