You can create goals, strategies and spreadsheets all the livelong day but without someone holding you to your commitments — where does your motivation come from? For the first little while you will probably be able to motivate yourself by sheer force of will. Eventually however, you need someone to answer to when you don’t live up to your commitments.

When you’re working for someone else that task is already done for you — like it or not — you’re accountable to your superiors. VCs, angels and other investors should hold the entrepreneurs  accountable. But when you’re starting a new self-financed venture, who are you really accountable to?

Find someone to hold you accountable. Find someone who will call you on your B.S. Most importantly, find someone who will challenge you to determine why you didn’t live up to your commitments and help you work through the problems.

This role could be filled by a mentor, personal coach or even a spouse. Just make sure you find someone to make you accountable so you don’t end up spinning your wheels.

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