When working with a team, it is imperative that you hold others accountable for their role in a group project. But what happens when you are a one-person team?

Are you tired of watching another month pass without much progress toward a personal or professional goal?

Do you make to-do lists, only to find that you do not actually get the things on your list done?

If this sounds like you, it could be that you are not holding yourself accountable for the tasks needed to carry out your goals. Here are five ways to become more personally responsible and start making progress toward your dreams.

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1. Get Clear on Your Mission

Being accountable to yourself means that you are personally invested in what you want to accomplish and believe it with your whole heart. Take some time to become clear about what it is you are trying to do and what you believe. Write a mission statement and a list of your most essential values. Being transparent with yourself about what it is you want to do and why it is important to you will help you hold yourself accountable when things get really hard or when your motivation starts to wane. Your mission should be what gets you out of bed in the morning. Memorize it and say it to yourself every time you notice that you are not following through on your plans.

2. Write It All Down

Writing things down gives you a permanent reminder of what you are trying to do and why. Make a visual representation of your mission. Write down your long-term goal as well as your short-term milestones. Create a space in your home and where you work to display your reminders, too. Having something visual means you can’t forget, making it easier to hold yourself accountable. Make a to-do list every day, with your most important priorities at the top. Do not work on less-important tasks until these are completed.

3. Set Small Goals

If you are having trouble reaching more important goals, try setting smaller, more attainable ones. Mini-goals are great for helping you see progress and keeping you focused. Figure out what you need to do today to get you one step closer to your goal. Devise weekly milestones that allow you to watch your progress. Do not depend on goals that are far into the future to help you stay on track; instead, focus on what you can do each day to get you across the finish line.

4. Be Sure to Reward Yourself

When you have made significant progress or reached a milestone, be sure to reward your efforts. It is essential to take care of yourself, so focus your rewards on ways to stay healthy and enjoy life. Finding the right balance between work and play is crucial, so reward yourself with time off, a relaxing massage, or something else to engage in self-care.

5. Reflect on Your Progress

It is vital that you take the time to reflect on your journey along the way. Thinking about what you have learned, where you have failed or had missteps, and where you have shone will help you get a better handle on your strengths and areas for growth. When you engage in regular reflection, you can honestly assess your progress and adjust your plans too. Assessment is a part of any sound accountability system, so be sure that you are being honest with yourself about what is and is not working for you.

Being accountable to yourself does not have to be complicated or cumbersome. It can be as easy as checking in regularly and ensuring you are genuinely invested in your goal. Try these five tips to keep you focused and making progress toward your next big goal.