Megan Kristel lives and breathes accountability
Everyone needs someone to ‘hold their feet to the fire’ declares Megan Kristel, stylist and founder of Kristel Closets.
One of the most successful thought leaders in the area of personal image and style, she has grown her practice from a one person operation out of her home to a diverse team that works with leading companies across the USA. Having created such a successful practice Megan also mentors other stylist create their own business and is the force behind Style Maker University.
From the first moment I met her I knew we would be friends; she was eight and a half months pregnant and looked sensational, rocking her 4-inch heels. One of the secrets of her success is a strong drive and high level of accountability. Megan is not only accountable to herself, but she recruits her family and trusted friends to ensure she stays focused on the best use of her time.
When we interviewed her for our latest book project she shared accountability secrets we thought you would benefit by applying these in your business.
Schedule each minute – when she is her most productive self (which she will tell you is not each and every day) she schedules her day down to the minute (generally in 15 minute increments). This highly scheduled plan allows a sense of achievement all day and she can cross things off her list (even if it is only the satisfaction of making oatmeal for her gorgeous girls).
Motivate with visual reminders – writing to-do list on post-it notes feels great to cross it off and throw in the trash!
Schedule date nights – Megan schedules regular date nights with her busy and talented husband and they also make date nights with their two girls a priority. I had heard of date nights with your partner but haven’t heard parents mention this for their kids – great way to grow relationships. She explained with their busy travel schedules this was an essential time with the girls to ensure they feel heard, are coping OK, talking about things important to them. I love this strategy.
Schedule Sunday – a not-negotiable appointment every Sunday to check the numbers of her practice and her personal finance keeps her on track. Diligently checking expenses, line by line, confirms projections and cash flow. There is significant satisfaction of seeing numbers increase.
Ask others – She regularly seeks advice and input of people important to her that provide a progress report, people who will speak truth and not let you get away with things.
Choose integrity – decide daily to be the best you can today, to do what you say you will do and determine what you can accomplish today – that’s your choice.
One of the drivers she shared is learned from her parents, while on this planet she has a responsibility to contribute to it. For the sake of her girls, she wants to role model to them how they can grow to be influential in their worlds.
Increased accountability equals increased productivity. When you approach each day knowing you need to do what you say you will do and understand the impact that has on the planet – now that’s productive!
We’d love to hear how you use accountability in your everyday lives, please share your ideas here on our blog.
PS. If you want to get out the door quicker, look stylish each season and know what the current trends are – subscribe to Megan’s fun and informative Well Dress Life blog here:
