Partners
She was struck by the simple truth that sometimes the most ordinary things could be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people…
-Nicholas Sparks
Accountability partners are a relatively new invention. At least, that term for them is. The concept is not new. People have benefitted from the mutual commitment to assist one another in achieving their goals for as long as there have been people with goals.
Nonetheless, the concept has come into vogue in the last couple decades. Business magazines, health journals, and religious publications all tout the benefits of having an accountability partner. There are even phone apps for the less socially inclined.
It’s an interesting concept really, rather casually giving someone permission to tell you the truth when you may not want to hear it–having them hold you accountable for your actions.
In essence, we are asking someone to take a risk with us and on us. (This is part of finding your village.)
Simply the act of asking demonstrates vulnerability.
With vulnerability as the basis of the relationship, deepening trust and investment in one another is inevitable. All kinds of unintended, positive side-effects could result. If you’ve gone to the effort to build this type of relationship, you have likely seen its benefits go way beyond the achievement of your goals.
While the partnership may not have begun as profound companionship or friendship, when you ask someone to come along for the ride and you take a journey together, you may find that’s exactly where you end up.
