Hey guys. Happy Thursday.

I debated and debated about whether or not to post this because it could easily be taken the wrong way. But, I'm hoping that it will be read in the manner that it is being written. And, it's been a revelation for me, so it may give one of you the “ah-ha” moment that you need.

One thing that a lot of us in our online business do is put off projects that are close to making money in lieu of doing other “more fun” things that grab our attention.

• How many unfinished projects do you have on your hard-drive?
• How many unfinished blog posts?
• How many unfinished ebooks?

One of the things that I've said over and over to my coaching clients is that “UNfinished projects do not make money. You're guaranteed to make nothing until it's out there, live!”

So, one thing that I've done recently, at the inspiration of my friends Scott Tousignant & Bob “the Teacher” Jenkins is to form a small Accountability Group.

I just set it up in my Basecamp account since I'm in there all day anyway.

There are only a handful of us in there, including my mom. Just five of us at the moment. And, we have to post our daily and weekly “Health and Wealth” goals, and we challenge each other to accomplish them.

Well, last week, I posted that I would have a certain project done by 9/22 (Tuesday) and if I didn't, that I'd donate $100 to the charity of their choice. I know, $100 isn't a lot, but I'm new to this accountability thing, so I thought I'd see what happened.

Well, I didn't get it done. And, a few of the ladies were going to let me off the hook, because of … well, I had a headache and things weren't going right, and etc etc. – Yeah, life happened. 🙂

So, on Tuesday, when I didn't meet my goal, I was thinking “Well, I almost made it. I'll just be a few days late. That's close enough.” But, that didn't sit well with me, since I SAID that I'd donate the money.

That same day, I interviewed Paul Evans from Nicheology (the interview will be posted in about 10 days) and he was telling me about his organization that helps orphans around the world. And, 100% of each donation goes to the organization. Obviously I found it odd that he spoke to me about this on the same date that I was supposed to donate money to charity. Hmm… a sign perhaps?

As you can guess, I went to the ladies and said “Is this organization ok for me to choose?” They agreed that it was a great mission and that I could, in fact, give my “penalty money” to them.

Before you think that I have to have my arm twisted to give to charities, that's not at all the case. I'm happy to give of myself willingly – my time, my money, my energy, my prayers.

However, I thought it would be kind of pointless to say that if I didn't get the project done that I'd have to shave my head or run naked down the street or eat a bowl of bugs or something. I'd rather give to orphans. (And, not traumatize the neighbors by seeing me streaking down the road!)

However, I did find it motivating to have the goal in front of the ladies and to have to pay up.

So, what are the lessons here?

If you're having trouble getting a project done for your business that'll feed your family – get someone to hold you accountable. It can be a coach or a mastermind group or an accountability group. Heck, just post it on your blog.

If you don't reach your goal, pay up! Otherwise, the next time it'll be totally pointless and you'll let yourself off the hook.

Support is everything in online business. It truly is. Your network is your lifeline.

So, anyway, I just sent the money and wanted to come over here to hear your thoughts. Is there a project that's on your hard-drive that could make you money but you're too chicken (like I was) or distracted (like I was, too) to get it out there? Feel free to publicly post your goal and the penalty for not meeting it by a certain date.

Or recommend a charity for the next goal that one of us doesn't meet.

My goal each year has been to double my income, but I can't do it if I'm playing scared and small. So, this method worked for me. Also, please share some of your ideas for how else my readers (and me) might be able to get over the roadblocks that are keeping them from getting stuff done. I'd love to hear them! I'm always on the look out for better ways to tackle things. Always. I never want to stop learning, and, thankfully we have each other to learn from.

As for the project? You'll be hearing about it next week. And, if you're someone who sells ebooks or has a membership site – you'll definitely want to get on my notification list (to the right) so you don't miss it. 🙂

Thank you, again, for putting your trust in me.

Warmly,
Nicole

Recommendations for Finding People to Hold you Accountable:

One of the places that I recommend as far as a great community that will help you to achieve your goals is Lynn Terry's Elite Club.

I also highly recommend going to live events like NAMS where you can meet people in person. In fact, every person but one of the five that are in my accountability group are people that I've met. And, the one that I haven't? I'll be meeting at NAMS in January! Join us there! Come to NAMS 3!