There's an interesting discussion I came upon in a group regarding life coaching. The original message asked how most coaches handle their clients not working assignments they've been given. Though this coach received some answers, some of the responses were along the lines of why clients need to complete assignments in the first place, because it was felt that, as long as they continue coming to the coach, it shows they're making progress.

Everyone wants to progress in their lives in some part of their being. They may want more wealth, or more happiness, or a better personal life. They may have great aspirations, or just want to be comfortable and content. In essence, each person is accountable for their own success, or lack of success, outside variables notwithstanding.

How each person decides they want to measure progress, to hold themselves accountable, is also different. For some, they need to have what I call a "tick list" of items that they can look at, tick off the list, and say 'look at what I've accomplished". For others, they may get a sense of accomplishment just by how they feel from day to day.

Both work fine, but if you're going to work with another person, and you're paying that other person, it behooves you to have goals set, and be able to visualize those goals rather than keeping them contained and unwritten. Coaching isn't inexpensive, after all; I presently charge $400 a month for sessions, and I feel that if a client doesn't show the inclination to help themselves, as in work through any of the assignments that are geared to help them help themselves, I don't want to just take their money. That happens in all sorts of businesses, and though it's not illegal, it's just not right.

Also, relate it to working in an office with others. How many times have you gotten to your job review and been upset because the person you report to didn't remember that you did this special thing, or that special thing, or sometimes didn't remember a single thing you did? If you're the supervisor, you've been on the other side of this event, and it can feel uncomfortable.

It's all about choice. Whether it's business or personal, each person gets to decide how they want to be held accountable, and to whom. In my opinion, each person needs to be held accountable to themselves first, because you will be the direct beneficiary of any action you take. How you decide to define your accountability, your progress, is also up to you. But if you're going to wait for someone else to define it for you, you may not like what you see later.