Your goals need a hype squad—not a vision board.
You know that magical high that comes with setting goals? The color-coded sticky notes. The fresh planner. The late-night “this is the year” energy.
And then… nothing.
You get busy. You get stuck. You lose steam somewhere between “start podcast” and “write episode 1.”
The problem isn’t you. It’s your system.
Big goals don’t need more motivation—they need smaller loops.
This is where the Accountability Loop comes in. It’s a three-part structure that helps you stay focused, keep moving, and (gasp) actually finish what you start. No complicated apps. No four-hour planning sessions. No shame spiral when you skip a week.
Just a super simple system that works with your real life—not against it.
Step 1: Pick 2–3 goals (that actually matter)
“Pick 2–3 [goals] in a given period and break them… into much smaller manageable pieces.” — Elaine Keohane from Ellie Tasks
Trying to do everything at once? Fastest way to get nothing done.
Start by narrowing your focus to two or three goals—max—per month or quarter. That’s it.
Ask yourself:
- What would make me feel proud if I finished it in the next 30–90 days?
- What’s already started that needs finishing—not just dreaming?
- What fits the season I’m in (mentally, emotionally, logistically)?
🧠 Pro tip: Keep a “Project Parking Lot” for every exciting idea you're not acting on right now. It clears brain space and keeps your priorities honest.
Step 2: Micro-chunk every goal
Once you’ve got your 2–3, break each one down into bite-sized steps. And when we say bite-sized, we mean it.
Each task should take 1–2 hours or less. No more “launch the product.” Just write a 3-sentence blurb before lunch.
Example:
Goal: Launch a $29 mini digital product
- Write the offer blurb
- Set up a payment link
- Create a 3-post launch series
- Email past clients
- Host a 30-minute live demo
- Collect feedback
You can also label tasks by energy type:
- ⚡️ = creative/high-focus
- 🧠 = thinking/strategy
- 🐌 = admin/easy wins
So when you're having a low-energy day, you can still knock out a 🐌 and keep the loop moving. Remember, the faster you get something out into the world—even if it’s messy—the faster you can improve it.
“I spent hours agonizing over every word, only to realize that once I got actual feedback, half of it had to change.” — Anthony Kuo from Untamed Career
Step 3: Loop in an accountability buddy
“Having an accountability buddy to throw your thoughts at and ask you tough questions… is an asset I would advise everyone to have.” — Elaine Keohane
This one’s key. You don’t need a coach or a mastermind group. Just one person who knows what you’re working on and can check in with a casual “Hey—how’s that going?”
Keep it light and consistent. A few ways that work great:
- Weekly 15-minute Loom or voice notes
- Asynchronous check-ins via WhatsApp
- A shared Google Doc for updates
Don’t know what to say? Try this check-in format:
- What I said I’d do
- What I actually did
- What I learned or what I’m stuck on
🥇 Bonus: Pick a buddy who’s working on their own thing too. Double the motivation.
Add tools if they help (but don’t overcomplicate it)
You don’t need a $97/month app. You just need somewhere to track progress.
Simple setup:
- One shared Google Sheet
- Three columns: Goal / Next step / Status
- Optional fourth: Reflections
Prefer analog? Use a paper planner or whiteboard. Want digital? Trello, ClickUp, or Notion works too—as long as it helps you move, not stall.
Give yourself permission to pivot
This loop isn’t a rulebook. It’s a container. A way to keep taking action and adjusting as needed.
At the end of each loop (monthly, weekly—your choice), ask:
- Do I still care about this?
- Is now the right time?
- Is this still aligned with where I want to go?
If not? Cool. Pivot.
If yes? Re-loop. Pick the next micro-chunk. Keep going.
Know where you're headed—but don’t be afraid to break it down, test it live, and update along the way.
“This big-picture overview defines the transformation you offer and breaks it down into actionable steps.” — Sarah Masci from Day Rate Mastery®
Real story: What happens when you loop instead of leap
One of Elaine’s clients had a brilliant digital course idea—but kept stalling on “launching it right.”
So they built a basic Accountability Loop:
- 2 goals: launch the course + rebuild the website
- Weekly Friday Loom check-ins with a peer
- One shared Google Sheet with micro-chunks
Within 6 weeks, the course was live with paying customers. The website? 80% done—and not a single missed check-in.
Was it perfect? Nope.
Was it done? Hell yes.
The takeaway
There’s nothing wrong with big dreams.
But big dreams need small, repeatable structures. That’s what the Accountability Loop gives you.
📌 Pick 2–3 goals
🧩 Break them into micro-chunks
🤝 Share progress with a buddy (even just 10 minutes a week)
No perfection. No hustle. No shame.
Just real progress—one loop at a time.