What Is an Accountability Buddy — And Why They Work So Well
Trying to stay on track with your goals alone can feel like a losing battle. That’s where an accountability buddy comes in. But what exactly does this role involve, and how do you make the most of it? This article breaks down how accountability buddies work, why they help, and when a more structured solution—like professional coaching—might be the better fit.
What Is an Accountability Buddy?
An accountability buddy is a peer who helps you stay consistent with your goals by offering support, encouragement, and regular check-ins. It’s a mutual setup—you hold each other accountable. Unlike a coach or mentor, this relationship is typically informal, based on shared goals or challenges.
Buddy Examples
- Two freelancers checking in every Monday to review goals
- Friends co-writing books with shared deadlines
- Gym partners keeping each other honest on early wakeups
Benefits of an Accountability Buddy
- Consistency: Regular check-ins make it harder to procrastinate
- Motivation: You’re more likely to take action when someone else is counting on you
- Perspective: Your buddy may offer helpful feedback or reframing
- Emotional support: Especially when energy dips or self-doubt creeps in
- Bonus: If your buddy uses the same systems or has similar goals, you benefit from shared tools and strategies.
Common Accountability Buddy Setups
- Weekly Zoom calls
- Daily text check-ins
- Shared Google Docs or Trello boards
- Coworking sessions (virtual or in-person)
Accountability Buddy vs. Accountability Coach
While buddies are a great starting point, they have limits:
- They may lose momentum or flake
- They’re not trained to navigate mental patterns or resistance
- They may need accountability themselves—and can’t always provide it consistently
For professionals who want high follow-through and deep insight, coaching provides structure that peer setups can’t match.
When a Buddy Isn’t Enough
If you’ve tried buddy systems but still:
- Procrastinate on important work
- Feel overwhelmed no matter how much you plan
- Struggle with guilt, avoidance, or lack of clarity
…it might be time for coaching. At Accountability Coaching London, we offer a hybrid approach:
- Daily 15-min live calls to replace the morning fog with clarity and traction
- Weekly 60-min systemic coaching sessions to dismantle the blocks and patterns that derail you
✨ Try structured support with a human touch.
Explore our accountability coaching offer
Can You Do Body Doubling Online? Yes. Many people use video platforms to connect with virtual body doubles. There are also ADHD-specific communities for this. The presence doesn’t need to be physical — just perceived.
A Quick Look at the Psychology Behind It Body doubling taps into social facilitation, a well-known psychological principle: we often perform better when someone else is around. It also connects with ADHD-focused coaching techniques like externalizing structure and minimizing overwhelm.
Final Thought
Body doubling is a practical, low-effort technique with real results — but it’s only one part of the puzzle. If you’re ready to build habits that last, we can help you go further.
Explore our coaching structure
What Is an Accountability Partner?