why you need extroverted friends.
Sometimes, when I’m stuck procrastinating on something that feels a little out of my comfort zone, I go on a coffee date with a friend who doesn’t overthink everything they do.
I’ll ramble about what’s holding me back, and they’ll give me a genuinely confused look and say something like, “Why don’t you just try it? What’s the worst that could happen?”
Nine times out of ten, that’s the nudge I need to at least consider doing it. And if I still don’t follow through, they’ll check in a few days later.
That’s my kind of accountability—and honestly, I’ve built a good chunk of my career on it. We don’t have to do everything on our own all the time.
If you’re also craving a bit more accountability (and support) in your life, here are some ideas:
talk it out: sharing your goal with someone can make it feel more real—and if they approach life with fewer worries than you do, more doable, too. Bonus points if they’re not judgy and offer to check in with you later.
add a little incentive: pick a lighthearted consequence if you don’t follow through—like donating to a nice cause or signing up for that reformer pilates class that’ll make you sore for days. Most of us are too proud to lose, but even if you do, you’ll still get something good out of it.
find a partner-in-progress: chances are, you’re not the only one trying to get something done. Teaming up with someone means you can cheer each other on and share battle stories along the way.
work with a coach: this is the upgraded option—because a coach doesn’t just hold you accountable. They help you figure out what you really want, challenge the horror stories you’re telling yourself, and celebrate every win, big or small. It’s pretty cool.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
