You’ve got your game plan, you’ve got your vision, and you’re ready to start making some serious moves towards your most authentic life. But here’s the thing – you can’t do it alone. Well, technically you can, but it’s a hell of a lot harder and a lot less fun. That’s why it’s time to take a hard look at the people you surround yourself with and start building a tribe of accountability partners who will have your back through thick and thin. You can also use this partner, that you will likely be very comfortable with, to practice how to approach situations you will face in the real world. You’ve taken the crucial first steps by defining your core values, identifying your passions, and creating a vision for your ideal life. If you haven’t read about the first seven steps, it would be a good idea to read this letter first.

First things first, let’s talk about your inner circle. Take a good, long look at the people you spend the most time with. Are they lifting you up or dragging you down? Are they inspiring you to be your best self or are they content to watch you play small? If you’re constantly feeling drained, frustrated, or just plain stuck after hanging out with certain people, it’s time to make some changes. Trust me, you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. I’d suggest eliminating them (at a minimum) from your growth phase. Re-assess later if they need to be permanently removed. 

On the flip side, start seeking out people who are on the same wavelength as you. Look for the ones who are chasing their own authentic lives with passion and purpose. These are the people who will understand your journey, offer valuable advice and support, and celebrate your wins like they’re their own. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make some new connections. Join the Rethink Theory Discord, strike up a conversation with that person you admire, and you never know who might become a positive influence in your life.

Now, when it comes to choosing an accountability partner, you can’t just pick anyone. This person needs to be someone you trust implicitly, someone who will call you on your bullshit and push you to be better. They should share your values and goals, but also be willing to challenge you when you need it. And most importantly, they should be consistent as hell. None of this flaky, “I’ll call you next week” nonsense. 

You need someone who will show up for you day in and day out, no matter what. Ideally this is a person who is actively in your life now, and who you interact with frequently. It can be anyone who is aligned with your goals and you feel could support your growth. This could include family members, friends, coworkers, and even social media connections. Next to each name, write down how they make you feel and whether they contribute positively to your life. Remember, your time and energy are precious resources, and you have the right to protect them.

TIPS: 

When selecting an accountability partner, ideally look for someone who:

• Shares your values, goals, desires, philosophy and personality style
• Is reliable and consistent. You are creating a new consistent you – they need to show up. 
• Offers constructive feedback and support, and not just complaints. 
• Challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. This is huge, you will never grow if you don’t leave the comfort circle. 
• Celebrates your successes and helps you learn from your setbacks. Constant feedback and encouragement help significantly. 

Once you’ve found your ride-or-die accountability partner, it’s time to create a game plan. Set up regular check-ins (daily, weekly, whatever works for you) and use that time to get real about your progress, your struggles, and your next steps. Be honest about where you’re falling short and celebrate the hell out of your wins. And don’t forget to return the favor – being an accountability partner is a two-way street. While you grow, encourage them to seek their authentic self as well.

But accountability isn’t just about having someone to report to, collaborate with, share success and failure, as well as someone that you can count on for unforgiving feedback. It’s also about keeping track of your own progress and growth. That’s where the 1% log comes in. This is your space to document your journey, reflect on your experiences, and see just how far you’ve come. And don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be some fancy-schmancy journal with a leather cover and gold-edged pages (unless that’s your thing, in which case, do you). A simple notebook or even a notes app on your phone will do just fine.

Create a 1% log. In your 1% log, write down your daily or weekly action steps, no matter how small. Did you finally sign up for that class you’ve been eyeing? Write it down. Did you have a tough conversation with a friend that needed to happen? Write it down. Did you choose the salad over the fries? You guessed it – write it down. The point is to celebrate your progress, learn from your setbacks, and keep yourself motivated to keep going. The 1% growth is vital to your success. 

Your 1% log should include:

• Daily or weekly goals and action steps. Include feedback from your accountability partner. 
• A record of your progress and accomplishments, especially when you were forced out of your comfort zone.
• Reflections on your challenges and lessons learned as well as new ways to approach a situation if it was not a positive experience. 
• A diary section for deeper self-exploration later when you need to look back and get context.

But don’t just stop at the surface level stuff. Use your 1% log to dive deep and get real with yourself. Write about how your actions made you feel, both physically and emotionally. Did they light you up inside or leave you feeling drained? Did they align with your values or leave you feeling out of integrity? And don’t forget to think about how your choices impacted those around you. Did your authentic actions inspire someone else to be more true to themselves? Did your kindness make someone’s day a little brighter? How did they react? 

As you keep implementing these changes and documenting your progress, you’ll start to see some serious shifts in your life. It may not happen quickly, so don’t feel discouraged if you don’t see immediate “light bulb goes on” shifts. You’ll feel more energized, more fulfilled, and more aligned with your true self. You’ll attract more of the right people and opportunities into your orbit. And most importantly, you’ll be making tangible progress towards the life you really want. The saying is true, in that you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. 

But here’s the thing – this journey isn’t always going to be sunshine and rainbows. There will be days when you want to quit, when you feel like a fraud, when you wonder if it’s all worth it. That’s why you need to keep your accountability partner and your 1% log close at hand. They’ll be your lifelines when things get tough, your reminders of why you started in the first place. You will have looked back at your log and thought “that didn’t feel right” and you will have to wake up tomorrow and strive to do better. Sometimes finding your authentic self goes -2% before you gain the full 1%.

Keep showing up for yourself every day, even when it’s hard. Keep choosing courage over comfort, and vulnerability over hiding. Keep believing in your own potential and worthiness. And most importantly, keep taking action towards the life you truly desire.

By implementing these first stages of the 7 steps, you’re laying the foundation for a life of true fulfillment and joy. You’re creating a reality that reflects your unique gifts, passions, and values. You’re becoming the person you were always meant to be.

Do the work, and keep a positive outlook. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, celebrate your own growth, and trust the journey. Because at the end of the day, living authentically isn’t about being perfect – it’s about being true to yourself, flaws and all. It’s about having the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when it’s hard. It’s about creating a life that feels good from the inside out.

And you, my friend, have everything you need to make that happen. So let’s fucking go.