English Expressions about Accountability & reaching your goals.

When you say you’ll do something, do you try to actually do it? If the answer is “Yes!” then you know something about accountability already. Today you’re going to learn to talk about this essential business topic. And you’re going to learn lots of English expressions on the theme of accountability.  And since your goal today is not just to be able to read about accountability and goals, but also to remember even more English expressions, remember this: English is an ever-changing language with lots of interesting vocabulary that even native speakers need to keep working on. 

And there are ways to make sure your learning is most effective. For example? Read high-quality blog posts and articles where you can learn English expressions while you learn something interesting and relevant.  That way, you can learn–and be able to use your new expressions later. 

So, about accountability and how accountability can help you reach your goals…

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You’re serious about improving your English and your business skills. And I’m serious about helping you do that. That’s why I hold workshops every month on business skills you need. Want your exclusive monthly invitation? It’s easy. Just sign up for my newsletter.

What you’ll learn in this article:

1. What is accountability?
2. English expressions about the benefits of personal accountability.
3. How other people help you stay accountable.
4. How social accountability can help you reach your goals.
QUIZ YOURSELF ON TODAY’S LESSON

1. What is accountability?

So what is accountability exactly? 
Accountability is saying you are going to do something (to yourself or others). And then actually doing it. 

You can be accountable to yourself.  That means that if you promise yourself you’ll do something–you will. And you know it.

You can also be accountable to others.  
That means that if you promise someone else you’ll do something–you will.  

And it’s really important to really be careful about what you decide to be accountable for. (What you promise to do). 

After all, you want to trust yourself–and you want other people to trust you. So you want to make sure that if you agree to be accountable for something, that you actually come through–and do it.

Also check out my lesson: A Session with Your English Coach: Do you need goals or systems?

2. English expressions about the benefits of personal accountability.

A lot of really successful business people I know, also know how to hold themselves accountable.  That means that they have a habit of doing what they say. Or of setting a goal and achieving it. 
What about you? Do you hold yourself accountable when you set a goal or make a promise?

Some great things happen when you hold yourself accountable–to yourself and others. 

First, you’re more likely to reach your goals and get things done. Which feels great! It creates a sense of personal credibility–which means you believe yourself when you make a promise. 

And you believe in yourself (you know you can get things done).  And you probably also feel self-respect.  All of those things make you more likely to reach your next goal!

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3. How other people help you stay accountable

Being accountable to yourself is a good strategy. But being accountable to others is even better. Think about it. Imagine you tell yourself you will do your next workout and don’t.  That you say you’re going to get up at 5 AM and run to train for your next marathon–and you don’t. No one will be disappointed except you. And maybe no one will even know!

But if you tell your exercise partner that you’ll be there to work out and you don’t come? Or if you’re supposed to meet your marathon training friends and just don’t show up? 

Someone else will definitely be disappointed! So you show up--you put in the work you need to accomplish your goal.

In fact, social accountability is so important that I use it to help my clients improve their English–like in my fluency club. When you know other people like you are expecting you to come and practice your English, it helps you stay motivated, show up and improve. I’m hosting a live demo of my fluency club on January 25th in case you want to see how it works. Just sign up for my newsletter to get your invitation.  

4. How social accountability can help you reach your goals.

Whenever you have a goal that’s not easy to achieve or a goal you’ll have to work toward for a long time, social accountability can mean the difference between success and failure. Social accountability helps because you have a group encouraging you.  

These are like-minded people–people with the same goals. You feel accountable to the group so you are likely to show up and do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal.

Plus, it’s often really fun and motivating to reach a goal around other people. And, what if you could use some social accountability for your English-speaking goals? 

Then join me for my live, free, interactive workshop on January 25th–It’s a really special one. You’ll get to see what it’s like inside my conversation club for motivated professionals like you. Sign up to my newsletter and watch for your exclusive invitation so you can book your spot!

Take the next step for your English and your Business:
QUIZ YOURSELF ON TODAY’S LESSON

See if you can find the right expression from today’s blog post about accountability and your goals to complete the sentences below:

show up           accountable to           social          personal credibility      accountable

Being ______________means that when you say you’re going to do something, you do it.  It can give you a sense of self-respect and_________________.  If you are ___________________others and it keeps you motivated it’s an example of ___________accountability. Social accountability helps you ______________when you say you will–and make the small long-term efforts that will help you achieve your goals. 

Improve your English in the comments:

The best way to become more confident using Business English is to practice!

Here’s your Confidence Challenge for this week:

1. Do you have an activity or situation where you have someone to hold you accountable?  Tell us in the comments.
   
   

Further reading for professionals in English

Curious to learn more about the topic of the day? I’ve selected this excellent resource for you. It helps English speakers use accountability to reach their goals.

• From Entrepreneur: 8 Ways to Stay Accountable With Your Goals
  
  

Don’t miss my next free, interactive workshop.

You’re serious about improving your English and your business skills. And I’m serious about helping you do that. That’s why I hold workshops every month on business skills you need. Want your exclusive monthly invitation? It’s easy. Just sign up for my newsletter.