In the countdown to 2025, you might be feeling the pressure to set lofty resolutions and audacious goals for the year ahead. And who could blame you? The promise of a clean slate and a new year to springboard into bigger, better things is tempting for any founder, leader or CEO with big ambitions.

But before you get caught up in setting New Year’s resolutions for your business or yourself, take some time to create a framework for success that will mean you actually achieve the goals on your wish list.

Because with approximately 80 percent of people giving up on their 1 January resolutions by February, simply identifying your goal or business dream isn’t enough.

Why accountability matters

Have you ever set a goal, but not told anyone about it? How did you go with sticking to it? If your answer is ‘not well’, you’re not alone. Having an accountability partner, friend or even group of trusted people is a great way to help you stay on track with your goals, both in business and in life.

Setting a goal in January when the year ahead feels ripe with possibility and your calendar is wide open is one thing, but actually sticking to that goal once business as usual sets in is much harder. Without accountability, you can end up pushing those goals further down the priority list, or lose sight of them as you get caught up in the ’busy work’ of leading a business.

Accountability is about surrounding yourself with people who can guide, challenge and support you along the way to achieving your goals.

For leaders, this is especially important as it can be hard to share honestly and vulnerably within your business hierarchy. External accountability partners will help you by bringing a truly objective and non-judgemental view to your planning.

Be specific about your goals

Start by getting specific about the goals you want to achieve. Instead of vague resolutions, break down goals into actionable steps with clear timelines. Then share these plans with your accountability partner or group so you have an external perspective to refine the steps and ensure they align with your long-term vision.

Once you have these goals in place, schedule regular catch-ups to keep yourself on track and to stay accountable to the people in your circle of trust. Accountability isn’t a one-time conversation. Schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins where you can review progress, discuss challenges and refine your goals (because they might evolve).

This rhythm of accountability keeps your focus sharp and allows you to celebrate any little wins along the way.

Support through good times (and bad)

Setbacks are inevitable, so having accountability partners or advisors who genuinely care about you and your success will not only help you stay on track with achieving your goals, but they’ll also help you regroup and adjust when things (inevitably) don’t go to plan.

The same is true when things are going well. You don’t just want empty encouragement, instead seek out people who are willing to ask tough questions, push you out of your comfort zone and offer honest feedback – this is essential for those breakthrough moments you can’t achieve on your own.

A reciprocal relationship

Accountability doesn’t only flow one way. The best kind of accountability is reciprocal, meaning you can keep the people in your circle accountable as much as they can help keep you on track. Studies show that when people are held accountable by those they respect, they’re more committed to achieving their goals.

So when looking for people who can help with your accountability, look to those you respect or want to learn from, even if they’re from a completely different industry or type of business.

Diversity of experience and opinion will ultimately be more valuable than an echo chamber of people exactly like yourself or those who just want to wish you well and pat you on the back, rather than challenge you to do better or stretch yourself further.

Making hard choices

Running a business effectively and achieving those big goals often requires making complex decisions and difficult choices. Having perspective and support from your accountability people can help you make the tough calls that need to be made, whether it’s around increasing prices, pivoting your strategy or ditching a system or product that’s no longer serving your business.

Having people who understand the stakes, without being invested in the outcome of your decision, is a great way to get honest advice and feedback – another reason your accountability partners are so essential.

Playing the long game

For CEOs and leaders, accountability is a long-term commitment to achieving meaningful goals.

Committing to a structured accountability plan and support group can help you with better follow-through, strategic focus and resilience. Unlike flaky New Year’s resolutions, accountability fosters lasting change, helping you to achieve those big goals – in business and in your personal life.

Forget about setting resolutions that don’t stick. In 2025, leverage accountability as your driving force. With the right support system in place, you’ll have not only a road map for success but also the encouragement and constructive critique you need to see it through.

Opinions expressed by The CEO Magazine contributors are their own.