Instantly double your productivity with an accountability S.Q.U.A.D.
Accountability groups brought me the focus and support I was missing going it alone.
In 2021, I got a wake-up call that shattered my belief in hyper-independence.
After moving back to Georgia from Seattle in 2020, and catching a great deal on a furnished condo, I was finally settled in and ready to make big strides in my life.
Then, just as things were coming together, I got a phone call that changed everything: my landlord was selling the condo, and I had 60 days to move-out.
One problem - my credit had taken a hit with the panini, my income was unstable, and my savings were dwindling fast.
For the first 30 days, I tried everything I could think of to find a new place on my own. But with each passing day, it was getting more and more frustrating that I wasn’t any closer than I was when I first started.
So my best friend suggested something I hadn’t even considered: reaching out to my network for help.
The thought made me cringe. I’ve always been private, and the idea of sharing my struggle with others felt uncomfortable, like I was exposing a weakness.
But with only 30 days left, I was out of options. I needed to make something shake.
So, I swallowed my pride and reached out to everyone I knew.
None of them directly led me to a place, but every conversation gave me a new insight - a different approach to searching, tips on how to present my unique situation to landlords, and encouragement that kept me going when things looked bleak.
With their support, I finally found a spot right in the middle of the city, exactly where I’d always wanted to be.
Did you know that people who share their goals with an accountability partner are 65% more likely to succeed? And when they schedule regular check-ins, that number jumps to 95%.
This experience taught me a lesson I wish I’d learned sooner: asking others for help is a strength, not a weakness.
When we try to do everything solo, we limit our perspective, burn out faster, and often miss out on opportunities that could make things easier - or more effective.
For 9-5ers building a business on the side, external accountability can be the bridge between staying in planning mode and actually making progress.
That’s where accountability groups come in.
Creating an accountability group - either online or in-person - keeps you grounded, provides a sounding board, and gives you the push to stay consistent through tough times.
When you surround yourself with people who challenge you, celebrate your wins, and hold you to a higher standard - you’re more likely to stay on track, no matter how demanding life gets.
Here’s how to use my S.Q.U.A.D. Framework to create an accountability group of your own:
S – Set Collective Goals: Define clear, shared goals that each group member is aiming to achieve. Having aligned goals makes each meeting purposeful and keeps everyone focused on progress.
Q – Quarterly Checkpoints: Set quarterly goals with regular weekly or bi-weekly meetings to stay on track. The frequency keeps you accountable without overwhelming your schedule.
U – Update and Reflect: During each meeting, everyone shares their progress and reflects on what’s working and what isn’t. Honest reflection ensures everyone stays on track and learns from each other’s experiences.
A – Adjust Plans as Needed: Flexibility is key. Use group insights to make adjustments as needed to keep moving forward, even when unexpected challenges arise.
D – Drive Each Other Forward: Motivate each other to stay consistent and committed. Sometimes, just knowing others are counting on you can make all the difference.
Why This Works
This framework turns group accountability into a structured process, rather than a vague concept.
By focusing on shared goals, regular check-ins, and actionable feedback, you’re setting up a support system that keeps you on track when life starts life-ing.
This isn’t about mindless venting. It’s about creating a support system for a pursuit that’s often very lonely - entrepreneurship.
Here’s what you’ll get out of it:
With scheduled check-ins, you’re more likely to follow through
Group members offering perspectives and solutions you wouldn’t think of on your own.
Having people who check in regularly pushes you to follow through on your plans, cuz you know they’re going to ask you about them.
“Accountability groups aren’t a crutch - they’re a catalyst for growth.”
Your Turn
Think about the top 3-5 people you’d want in your accountability group.
These should be people who genuinely want to see you succeed, won’t let you off the hook when things get tough, and who understand the unique challenges of balancing a full-time job with a side hustle.
Choose people who bring different strengths - someone who’s great at planning, someone who knows your industry, and maybe someone who’s a natural motivator.
Reach out to everyone to organize the group. Then set up a regular online or in-person check-ins, an agenda for the check-ins, and start leveraging your new squad to help you stay focused and consistent.