Why we need each other: Accountability Circle

This year was full of challenges, growth, and learning. As the new year approaches, you may be reflecting on these events. I know I have been, it is interesting how much happens in a year. We can often feel like we did not do enough or took on too much to prove ourselves to others. We are often so focused on the fight that we forget to acknowledge the people who have contributed to those wins along the way.

Do you ever feel alone in your journey and need a little help? Think about the people who have helped make your journey better. This may be someone that helped teach you something, held you accountable, or reminded you of what is important. As we grow, sometimes it’s easy to forget how far we have come. We are not expected to do everything on our own, though some may think so due to past experiences. However, I will discuss the benefits of finding a mentor or accountability partner and how it can help improve yourself and motivate others around you.

Having an accountability partner and a mentor/coach are ways that you can get the information and support that you need to succeed from others who have been in your shoes. There is nothing more exciting than seeing people flourish and grow when they have someone who believes in them and invests their time with them.

Mentorship

I have been mentored by many people, who have provided their wisdom, thoughts, and guidance. The experiences were invaluable. Finding a mentor has been life-changing. I never thought I would be an entrepreneur. My grandmother was the only one I knew that was an entrepreneur. She ran a small shop in the countryside of Jamaica when I was younger. When I visited, I would assist her or get items from the shop to use. Many of my family members have always worked for an organization and I followed suit because it was all I knew. Organizations have provided the foundation and experience for my own work and practice.

I am so very thankful to all the people in my life that have supported me and my growth. Without forming these connections, I would not be where I am today. By reflecting on this year, I realized how much time I spent planning and organizing this business. Considering the amount of time and effort needed to do this I did not feel like it had been enough but looking back things have turned out well, even though there is still more to learn. By reflecting on this year, I realized how the paths and people I have come across were in such alignment. 

I was fortunate enough to come across a post on social media that led me to meet other therapists in the field. I was able to gain insight, learn what documents are needed, and also gained a circle of support. I have been through many trials and unfortunately, a few failures along the way. I have learned over time the most important thing to do is to not be afraid of asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from them. There are people out there who have more experience than you, but they won't know that you need help until you ask them. I also realized that I needed more than online information but also lived experiences. I did not learn how to run a private practice from school, but from failures, other people’s stories, asking questions from individuals, and being open to learning.

Accountability

One of the most important aspects of mentorship is accountability. If you have someone holding you accountable, they can keep you on track with your tasks and provide encouragement when needed. After you are provided with the information, what do you do with it? Do you feel overwhelmed? Do you not know where to start? Well, this is where having a mentor can hold you accountable.

As a therapist, I would add an accountability partner to my job description. As I assist clients in keeping track of their goals, unpacking negative thoughts, creating routines, developing timelines, and checking in. I want to see my clients win, I want you to win and want people to strive for their goals. The journey is not easy, so having extra support, whether paid or volunteer makes a difference. I know I find it hard to constantly motivate and encourage myself. Sometimes my thoughts can be negative and having mentors or therapists unpack these thoughts can be helpful in moving forward. Accountability partners are also helpful when you need to tell yourself you need to take a break. Sometimes we are our harshest critics and need someone to remind us of who we are, and what our gifts and strengths are.

With anything we need support for, there is probably more to unpack regarding reasons we do not want to ask for help. I would suggest exploring this with support from a therapist, like at Winrose Oasis Services. Just thought I’d add a plug. 

I found that it is less about the information you gain each time and more about the relationships formed. I have had mentors in my life, but what I have learned on this journey is that the most value is found in community and conversation. Being asked questions can open up new avenues of learning, thinking, and exploring so that one never stops learning because someone else gave me the opportunity to think outside of myself, try something new or get out of a rut that I didn't know even existed.

I have been a Registered Social Worker for many years. I specialize in working with children, youth, adults, and families to help them understand their feelings and thoughts, set goals, and create action plans for change. My goal is to empower each person whom I work with so they can achieve their fullest potential. As a therapist I want my clients to feel safe enough to share their vulnerabilities in the counselling space. It makes a difference when you know that the person sitting across from you accepts you just as you are at this moment, which helps us all open up more often than not in counselling or therapy sessions. 

Looking for an accountability circle or partner, sign up today: Accountability circle