How many times have you started something—working out, writing a book, launching that side hustle—only to let it fizzle out faster than a New Year’s resolution?
“Ideas aren’t worth anything without the ability to execute those ideas and bring them into reality,” says Jon Butcher, the creator of Lifebook, in his Mindvalley program of the same name. “And unfortunately, this is where a lot of people seem to fall apart.”
Not because your goals were impossible, but because no one was watching.
But where there’s a will, there’s a way. And that’s where an accountability group changes everything.
There’s no need for a “You can do this!” on your own… Because when the tough gets going, you have a personal cheer squad to help you make sure you actually follow through.
What is an accountability group?
An accountability group is a small bunch of people who team up to help each other hit their personal or professional goals. They check in, share updates, and make sure everyone stays on track—because, sometimes, you need someone to call you out (lovingly) when you’re slacking.
It makes sense when you think about it. A 2024 PEW Research Center survey found that 13% of people who set New Year’s resolutions had already given up by late January. So having a group of cheerleaders (and gentle nudgers) changes things.
The impact is real. A 2016 study found that participants in weight loss programs with peer support lost significantly more weight than those going solo.
Here’s how it works: everyone sets clear short- or long-term goals and tracks their progress. They get plenty of support in the form of encouragement, honest feedback, or a little push when needed.
People join accountability groups for all sorts of reasons: personal growth, fitness goals, career moves, money plans, or creative projects. And they usually meet weekly, bi-weekly, or whenever works best for everyone.
The bottom line is, when you’ve got a team rooting for you, they help turn your will into the way forward.
Why accountability groups work
Having a support squad creates a system of solidarity, motivation, and constructive criticism. When you know others are checking in on your progress, it’s way harder to shrug off your goals.
For Karolina Waligóra-Guimarães, Mindvalley’s SEO manager who’s been part of a Lifebook accountability group since 2021, it’s knowing that “there are people (in my case, women I like and enjoy spending time with) out there, striving to make their life vision a reality, just like I am.” And that gives her a sense of safety and comfort that she’s not going through this adventure alone.
Her experience is one of many examples that tap into the psychological aspect of group accountability—social connection and commitment. Studies show that sharing your goals with others increases your likelihood of achieving them.
Why? According to Diego Taira, the CEO and co-founder of Wealth Angels who’s been part of as well as started his own support circle, this shared responsibility pushes you to show up and put in the work, knowing others are counting on you. “If you want to go far, you go together,” he adds. “If you want to go fast, you go alone.”
When you’ve got a solid group backing you, you’re not just growing but you’re growing together.
On top of that, this kind of buddy system gives you something you can’t get from solo goal-setting: fresh perspectives, especially when you’re at the point in your life where you’re asking yourself, “What should I do with my life?” Your people can share ideas, solutions, and even call you out (kindly) on any excuses holding you back.
When it comes down to it, all it takes is a common cause to turn solo goals into a collective win.
Examples of accountability groups
There’s no limit to the kinds of support systems out there.
Take Pravina Chetty, the creative coach behind A Dose of Inspiration. She sparked a movement by posting post-workout selfies on Instagram with the hashtag #SelfieOrItDidntHappen. What started as a playful nudge turned into a virtual fitness tribe, inspiring her followers to share their own journeys.
As long as a person needs someone to help them own their end goals, then… hey, there you go: accountability group.
Wonder what it can look like in different scenarios? Here are some ideas:
- Fitness to stay active, eat better, and hit fitness goals.
- Study or learning to work on certifications, learn new skills, or just keep your brain sharp.
- Mental health to focus on your emotional well-being and build healthier coping habits.
- Personal development to improve habits, values, and overall mindset.
- Spiritual growth for meditation, mindfulness, and finding your higher purpose.
- Relationships to work on better communication, connection, or relationship goals.
- Parenting to share advice and help each other create stronger family bonds.
- Friendship to make new friends, deepen relationships, or build your social circle.
- Financial to learn how to save money, pay off debt, or build wealth.
- Career advancement to work on promotions, skill-building, or a career change.
- Hobby to pick up new interests like gardening, pottery, arts, and so on.
- Entrepreneurship to start or grow a business and turn your vision into reality.
These accountability group ideas are not rigid. They can be adjusted to fit you and your group’s needs.
Like Karolina and her Lifebook group, who created a women-only circle to share their biggest life goals. Or Pravina, whose #SelfieOrItDidntHappen inspired others to join her fitness journey.
As Jon says, people with a shared vision want the same thing: a life that works at a high level, whether that’s a fantastic marriage or being the best parent possible.
Whatever approach you choose, make it yours.
How to find an accountability group
Truth be told, finding an accountability group may not be as hard as it sounds—and you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. Diego, for instance, is part of several groups, including financial, entrepreneurship, and career-focused ones, just to name a few.
The groups for you are out there… but it takes a little effort to discover them. Here are a few ways to seek them out:
- Look in your existing circles. Start with your friends, coworkers, or family. Are any of them working on similar goals? It could be as simple as asking, “Hey, want to team up to stay on track?”
- Join online communities. Platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or Meetup are full of accountability groups online focused on specific interests like fitness, writing, or career growth. Search for communities in your area or join virtual ones if you prefer connecting digitally.
- Check local organizations. Libraries, community centers, or fitness clubs often host workshops, meetups, or events for the community with common goals.
- Ask at work. If your goal is career-focused, your workplace may have people eager to team up for skills development or professional growth.
- Leverage social media. Post about your goal and mention you’re looking for an accountability buddy or group. Or start a hashtag like Pravina did—you might be surprised at who joins in.
- Try apps or platforms like Mindvalley, Meetup, or Goal Buddy. They’re designed to connect you with like-minded people working on personal or professional development.
- Hire a coach or mentor. If a group isn’t your thing, consider working with a professional coach who can offer one-on-one support and guidance.
Once you find a group or buddy, make sure to set clear goals, agree on how you’ll hold each other accountable, and start making progress together.
How to start an accountability group
Pravina’s #selfieoritdidnthappen community may have been accidental, but it just goes to show that starting an accountability group is totally doable.
Here are a few steps you can take to get it off the ground:
- Define the purpose. Is it for fitness goals, career growth, personal development, or something else? A clear purpose helps attract the right people.
- Find your people. Ask friends, colleagues, or post on social media to find like-minded individuals who share similar goals. Three to six people—just nice to keep things manageable, but you can also base it on your comfort level.
- Set ground rules to keep things organized and respectful of people’s time. Agree on how often you’ll meet (weekly, biweekly, etc.), the format (in-person, virtual, or both), and which goal-setting templates you’ll use to track progress.
- Decide what each meeting will look like. For example, members could share updates, celebrate wins, discuss challenges, and set new goals for the next session.
- Pick tools to stay connected, like WhatsApp, Slack, or Google Docs.
- Start small and adjust as you go. Your first few meetings don’t have to be perfect. Focus on building trust and refining the process as your group grows.
- Celebrate milestones together, whether it’s small wins or major breakthroughs. It can keep morale high and strengthen the group bond.
Here’s the thing: accountability groups are as much about the connections you build as the goals you achieve.
Karolina, for instance, found the sisterhood she’d been missing while living abroad. One of her group members even celebrated with her at the wedding Karolina had once shared as her goal.
Because when you’ve got a solid group backing you, you’re not just growing but you’re growing together. In the wise words of Jon: “If each of us rise, we all rise.”
BONUS: How to run an accountability group (free meeting script)
Accountability group? Check. People? Check, check.
A simple meeting plan stops a lack of motivation in its tracks, gets everyone fired up, and makes progress actually feel worth it.
Well, if you need a little help on this one, here’s an easy script you can follow:
Accountability Group Meeting Plan
1. Kick-off (5 minutes)
Start by welcoming everyone and setting the vibe for the meeting.
Example: “Hey, everyone! Let’s talk about wins, challenges, and what’s next. Ready to dive in?”
2. Wins & Progress Check (10–15 minutes)
Each person shares a win from the week and a quick update on their goals. Keep it short and sweet—2–3 minutes per person.
Example: “I finally finished the first draft of my blog! Next up: editing.”
3. Challenges & Feedback (15–20 minutes)
Talk about what’s been tough and ask for help or ideas from the group. This is your time to brainstorm, share advice, and support each other.
Example: “I’m struggling to stick to my workout schedule. Got any tips?”
4. Set Goals for Next Time (10 minutes)
Everyone sets one to two goals to work on before the next meeting.
Example: “This week, I’ll do two workout sessions and finish my website layout.”
5. Wrap-Up & Encouragement (5 minutes)
End on a high note—celebrate the group and keep the energy up.
Example: “You all crushed it today! Let’s keep the momentum going—I can’t wait to see your progress next time.”
Awaken your unstoppable
Accountability helps you create a life you’re proud of by turning your goals into reality.
Hazel Marie, a sales executive from Manila, knew this all too well. After battling anxiety and navigating a failed marriage, she signed up for Mindvalley’s Lifebook program to take back control. As she worked through the 12 categories, she realized the program helped her refocus, act with intention, and create a clear vision of the life she truly wanted.
“No amount of money or material possession could ever amount to the lessons I’ve learned from Jon, Missy, and the Lifebook Community,” she proclaims.
So if you’re ready to design your own vision for success—one that connects every part of your life—you can get started today with Jon and Missy Butcher’s free Lifebook webinar on Mindvalley.
Your goals deserve it. Your life deserves it. And most importantly, you deserve it.
Welcome in.
