Happy New Year

Guest Contributor: Anne-Marie-Faiola
Anne-Marie's Posts - Anne-Marie's Blog

January 1^st isn't just a day for gingerly nursing hangovers. It is also a day for reflection and contemplation of 2008 and planning how you can shine in 2009. Our Mastermind Group develops goals (they could be called 'New Year's Resolutions', I suppose). We share these goals with each other via email and at our monthly meetings. But, then, we take it one step further:mini-accountability groups.

One way to ensure that you'll hit the gym every day at 6 a.m. is to have a workout buddy that's expecting you. Making a promise to yourself and breaking it is one thing; disappointing a friend who woke up at 6 a.m. is another.

Our Mastermind Group has created small accountability groups within our larger group. These mini-accountability groups email every single Friday with updates on one big goal and give an update to the entire group at our monthly Mastermind meetings. Having the mini, weekly check-ins is a big help in keeping each person accountable. Seeing other members making major progress on their goals is exciting and inspiring. Additionally, a little bit of positive peer pressure is a good thing. Just like you don't want to let your workout buddy down, losing the respect of your accountability group because of poor progress on achievable goals is unacceptable.

If you have a Mastermind Group, use January 1^st as a time to bring in this new practice to enhance your output and progress on your goals.