Taking a course, especially online, can be a pretty passive thing. In many cases, no one knows you are enrolled and would never know if you did or didn’t take any action. That’s why it can be easy to accumulate a bunch of digital coursework on your computer and no accountability to consume it. For the most part, you’ve got to create accountability for yourself to ensure success.
Holding yourself accountable isn’t hard once you make the commitment to an accountability strategy that works. There may not be a cookie-cutter way to hold everyone accountable, but there are some standards that can help. Check out this pathway to accountability that may be the answer-
- Preview the course before making a purchase
- Dig into the course right away
- Set up a schedule to complete the content
- Add daily action steps to your calendar
- Get a buddy taking the course too
- Don’t buy more courses until you complete current ones
Do more than read a sales page- When you are considering a new course, do more than read the sales page. Sales pages are designed to get you emotionally triggered to buy. That’s important because you don’t want to be bored or underserved by a course, but it’s also important to be realistic about whether or not a course is right for your business needs. Be sure to do proper investigating to be sure you’re ready to spend the time and money on a course before making the purchase.
Dig in right away- Hold yourself accountable that you’ll dig into the work right away. Making the commitment beforehand can help you set aside the time and resources to work the course as it is designed.
Set your schedule to include the course- Whether there are classes or groups to attend, or a series of videos to consume, don’t become a passive participant. Schedule live coursework on your calendar rather than watch a replay. Participate in group chats or support groups to build relationships and get feedback and support.
Make a to do list- Add action steps to your daily calendar. Be sure to incorporate coursework and implementation with the same commitment. It won’t do any good to commit to learn the content but then fail to apply it to your business and take appropriate actions.
Use the buddy system- Most people do well with an accountability partner. Having someone taking the course at the same time can be ideal, even if your business goals differ. If you can’t get a buddy in the course, consider telling a colleague or friend you are taking the course and ask them to support you for accountability.
Don’t move on until you are done- Most people rack up tons of courses hoping to get to them one day. Don’t allow yourself to buy more courses until you complete what you have. Creating the habit of seeing one thing through at a time is a healthy way to manage courses and make sure they have the desired impact on your business.
Having a clear pathway for accountability can help you sign up for courses with the confidence you’ll consume them and implement them rather than forget about them.
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