As we start 2026, goals abound. Sales goals, weight goals, character goals, and more. I’ve been studying accountability and goal-reaching in a number of contexts and I’m going to provide some ideas I’ve been developing. I’ve seen the power of goal+accountability=major motivation. The challenge is often that all parties don’t stay motivated. How to motivate all parties? I have an idea for that.
I call this TribeTriad (I host a mini-tribe of business owners) and developed it to empower all people to help and be helped. You’ll have to zoom in to see the detail–the concept is that, if one provides the framework for meetings and goals, then anyone can act as a coach or as a helper. With five or more members in the circle, no single member is doing a role more than once or interacting with another member more than once in any context.
I’m working with some people on their financial picture. I’ve been a big critic of typical government welfare programs that reward work and earning money with fewer incentives. I heard that Milton Friedman suggested just the opposite back in the day. I’ve used the following concept a few times and am currently using it with a couple of people. I’ll try to report back on how they are doing with it in six months or so, but they are very motivated right now to find work and earn money. I said to them, “I want to invest in you.” One of them teared up and said, “I’ve never had anyone ever say that to me before.” She was broken, suicidal, erratic, bitter….Can a structure like this give hope and motivation? We’ll see.
