Healthy Competition

During the last semester I have really struggled with the idea of accountability. I like to write. I love my work. I enjoy reading. It has never been difficult for me to get motivated to complete my work - except when the word is dreary or dull. However, when I started graduate school I constantly heard that I should join a writing group and build accountability for myself. Wanting to meet the expectations of graduate school, I inadvertently joined several writing groups. Just from knowing people, I became part of these groups.

Unfortunately, my productivity plummeted after becoming part of these groups. At first they were helpful, but I quickly became engrossed in the competition of the groups. Who could do more? Who did "enough"? The goal of the groups seemed to focus more on showing off rather than actual work (whether this is true or not is open to discussion, but this was my perspective). Soon I began to dread the groups and would avoid them. Only one group really kept me motivated, but I had trouble making it to those group meetings. I felt isolated. When I worked alone, I was VERY productive and enjoyed the work more. What was wrong? Was I doing something that needed changing?

After speaking with a trusted professor, I tired a few new strategies. Rather than using accountability groups that I did not draw motivation from, I relied on an accountability partner who I trusted. A healthy, natural competitiveness had evolved with this person, but neither of us had the negative feelings associated with competition. We could be happy for each other's successes and it made each of us want to achieve more. Through this competition, I was able to still write for a total of 54.6 hours during the month of June. That was amongst traveling every weekend, a family emergency, presenting at a conference, and submitting a manuscript! I'm so relieved and feel inspired again.

Accountability groups are important to success in academia, however, as a wise professor told me "when they cease to be beneficial, no matter the reasons, you have to get out". Finding a group that matches your goals, work style, and personality is one of the most important factors in accountability group success.