If you’ve participated in one of my workshops, you know that now is the time to put everything you’ve learned into practice. One of the best ways to stay committed and keep making progress is by using a "buddy system".

It’s simple: you partner up with someone from the workshop, meet regularly, and help each other stay focused on your goals. You’ll be there to motivate each other, reflect, and measure progress as you work toward what you want to achieve.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Buddy System:

1. Find Your Accountability Partner
First, pair up with someone from the workshop you feel comfortable working with. You don't need to have the same goals; the important thing is that you can support and motivate each other.

2. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Choose a time to meet consistently, either weekly or bi-weekly. These meetings don't need to be long, 30 to 60 minutes is perfect. Pick a time that works for both of you and stick to it.

3. Define Clear Goals
During your first meeting, explain what you are working on and where you would like support in staying on track. Please note: your buddy is NOT a psychologist or a consultant. They are the person who helps you do what you set out to do. They won't answer questions like "how do I solve this?" Instead, your buddy simply asks questions that help you achieve what you've decided to work on. Therefore, be specific about your goals. For example: instead of: "I want to be more productive." Try: "I want to improve my time management and create a daily schedule." or "I want to create the right conditions for my team to perform at their best by focusing on A, B, and C for now."

4. Plan the Next Check-In
Before ending each meeting, agree on one or two things you want to achieve before your next check-in. These should be small, manageable steps that bring you closer to your bigger goal. Example: "For our next meeting, I will create a time-blocked schedule and test it for three days." or "I will focus on handling difficult conversations, keeping the concept of 'the Box' in mind and exploring their line of thought rather than arguing."

5. Review your Progress
When you meet again, take 30 minutes each. Use your half-hour to review what worked and what didn't regarding the goals/commitments you made in the previous meeting. The other person will ask questions to help you reflect out loud (see questions below). The goal here is to reflect not only on what went well, but also on the challenges you faced and how to overcome them in the future. Ask each other questions to explore the process and highlight potential blind spots.

6. Ask the Right Questions
Use open-ended questions. Here are some examples to guide your conversation:

When progress is being made:
- What went well for you this week?
- How do you feel about the progress you've made?
- Did you do what you set out to do? If so, what helped you achieve it?
- If not, what got in your way?

When facing challenges:
- What obstacles did you run into?
- How did you try to overcome them?
- What can you try next time to avoid those obstacles?

When planning for the future:
- What’s your main goal between now and our next meeting?
- What small steps can you take to move closer to your bigger goal?
- How can I support you with that?

7. Switch Roles
At the end of the first 30 minutes, switch roles. The person who was answering will now ask the questions to help the other explore their progress and process. This way, both of you get the chance to reflect, share, and receive support.

8. Track Your Progress
Take notes on what you discuss in each session, both successes and challenges. This will help you see how much you’ve improved and give you a clear direction on what to focus on next time. Plus, looking back and seeing all the progress you've made over time is a huge motivator.

Why the Buddy System Works

The buddy system is designed to keep you on track by having someone to check in with regularly. It’s easy to lose momentum when going at it alone, but with a supportive partner, you stay motivated. Plus, you get the opportunity to talk through what’s working and figure out how to tackle any obstacles.

After the workshop, this is the tool that will allow you to turn what you've learned into concrete progress. By checking in regularly, asking good questions, and supporting each other, you will keep moving forward toward your goals, and you might even have some fun along the way!