Hey Achiever! 

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to show up for others than for ourselves?

Maybe you never miss your kid’s soccer game but consistently skip your own workout. Or perhaps you're amazing at meeting work deadlines but that personal project keeps getting pushed to "someday." What if I told you that the secret to achieving YOUR meaningful achievements might actually be in how you support OTHERS with theirs?

Today, I want to talk about something powerful yet often overlooked: how asking the right questions when supporting others can create a beautiful cycle of accountability that lifts everyone higher. And as always, I promise it's simpler than you might think!

The Magic of "How Can I Support You?"

We've all been there—a friend shares their exciting new goal, and our immediate response is: "That's awesome! You can do it!" While encouragement is wonderful, what if we took our support one step further?

Instead of just cheering from the sidelines, try asking this simple question: "How can I best support you with this goal?"

This question is transformative because:

• It shows you're invested in their success beyond just words

• It gives them space to reflect on what they actually need

• It creates a specific pathway for meaningful support

• It helps them clarify their own accountability needs

When you ask this question, you're not assuming what someone needs. Some people might want daily check-ins, while others prefer monthly conversations. Some might need technical help, while others just need someone to listen when things get tough.

From Generic to Specific: Support That Actually Helps

Let's look at how this works in practice:

Scenario 1: Your friend mentions wanting to start working out in the morning 

Instead of: "That's great! You've got this!"

Try: "I love that,  what types of workouts do you enjoy doing?  How many times a week are you planning to get in?  Can I do anything to support you with this?”

Scenario 2: Your colleague wants to finish a certification

Instead of: "You can do it!” 

Try: "That's a fantastic goal. What kind of accountability would help you stay on track? I would love to hear about what your learning over lunch once a month, if that would help.

Notice how the second approach in each scenario creates a clear path for meaningful support tailored to what they actually need.

The Parent Example

To be honest, I am not sure where I heard this, but it has stayed with me a long time: When a child asks for help, instead of assuming what they need, ask them: "Do you want help coming up with ideas, or do you want help making your idea happen?" 

Imagine a little boy was working on a LEGO creation and getting frustrated. When his mom asked him this question, his whole demeanor changed. "I know EXACTLY what I want to build," he said confidently. "I just can't get these pieces to stick together right." 

With that clarity, she knew exactly how to help—supporting his execution without interfering with his vision. He got the exact support he needed while maintaining ownership of his creation.

This same question works wonders with adults too. Sometimes we know precisely what we want to achieve but need tactical support. Other times, we're stuck on the vision itself. By asking this simple question, we offer support that truly matters.

The Accountability Partnership: A Two-Way Street

Here's where the magic really happens. When you offer specific support to others, something wonderful often occurs—they start offering it back! This creates a natural accountability partnership where:

• You both clearly understand how to support each other

• Check-ins become meaningful rather than generic

• You celebrate specific progress together

• You help each other troubleshoot obstacles with insider knowledge of what works for each of you

Remember: Supporting someone else's journey doesn't take away from your own—it enhances it! When you help someone else stay accountable, you're reinforcing those same habits and mindsets in yourself.

Your Next Step: Begin With One Question

This week, I challenge you to try this approach with just one person in your life who has shared a goal with you. Whether it's your partner, friend, child, or colleague, ask them: "How can I best support you with this goal?"

Then listen—really listen—to what they say. You might be surprised by how simple their request is and how meaningful your specific support becomes. Supporting each other isn't just about being nice—it's about creating a community where we all rise together through intentional, personalized accountability.

If you need support, or need help figuring out what kind of support would best work for you, please reach out! I love hearing goals that excite (and maybe scare you a little). Together we can explore what kind of accountability would help YOU most to achieving YOUR goals. Because YOU deserve the same thoughtful support that you offer others.

Celebrating your every win,

Adrienne - Founder, Meaningful Achievements

Make sure to join my email list to ensure you never miss out on valuable content, special celebrations of wins, and exclusive offers that can help you reach your goals faster!