What is Social Accountability, and How Is It Affecting Your Habits?
In a study in 2018, researchers observed 704 participants enrolled in a 15-week online weight-loss program.
After the program ended, they found something interesting. Those who were involved in the program with buddy support (around 380 participants) were way more successful at losing weight compared to those who’d done it by themselves.
Moreover, they found that buddies who motivated and challenged each other were also very successful. In fact, “the support by romantic partners paralleled support by other types of buddies. Having a supportive buddy who was not a romantic partner was just as effective as turning to a romantic partner for assistance.”
How amazing is that? Just by working together on a habit with a buddy, you can increase your chances of success significantly.
Goals vs. Habits
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on interaction. This is why, when it comes to social accountability, goals and habits have a varying effect.
When it comes to goals, it’s not always beneficial to talk about them openly. This is because by talking about them, you already gain a bit of satisfaction which can lower your motivation towards working on it.
But, when it comes to habits, this is not the case. Since habits are ongoing and a constant effort, and not one-time achievements, social accountability can work wonders.
A Habit Buddy Isn’t an App
Everybody knows about the power of accountability. This is why habit-tracking apps and fitness bands exist. But, adding a social element on top of that, a reciprocal relationship, can make a huge difference.
We all have blindspots, and unless we’re aware of them we can’t overcome them. This is why, when we fail, our initial diagnosis is often a symptom rather than the root cause itself.
However, a habit buddy will point out the mistakes you’re blind to. This is something an app will never do for you! With that information in your hand, you can work on precisely that which will move the needle forward.
However, for a healthy relationship, here are some points to keep in mind:
- Don’t fall into the comparison trap. You’re working together, not against each other.
- Stick to a schedule and define regular touch points. An attitude like, “I’ll call you when I need you,” will get you nowhere.
- Focus on the process, not on wins or losses.
Better yet, Find a Community!
These days there’s online groups based on almost everything.
Being with people who are motivated to achieve the same goal as you, it’ll be easier for you to figure out what’s stopping you from turning your behaviors into daily habits, and taking the necessary steps to succeed.
It’s well known that you become like the people you spend time around. So, by surrounding yourself with people who believe in you and who inspire you to go to the next level, you can make the process of developing better habits a lot easier.
Conclusion
You must’ve heard the saying, “No one succeeds alone,” at least a hundred times by now, but there is truth to it. Every success is a group effort, so why not apply this principle to your habits too? Here are some steps you can take:
- Find a relevant group for the habit you want to develop.
- Become an active member of the group by communicating on a daily basis.
- Provide value to the group by sharing useful ideas and tips with other members.
- Find a member within the group who can be your accountability buddy.
Have you used buddy support in developing a habit before? If yes, let me know about your thoughts by leaving a comment!
