Pick the Right Partner

The wrong partner can make things worse. Choose someone who fits all four:

• Respect — disappointing them has to actually sting
• Honesty — they tell you the truth, not just kind words
• Shared stakes — similar goals, or real understanding of yours
• Follow-through — they check in every time, not when they remember

Avoid the easy outs: friends who let you off the hook, judgmental people, rivals who compete instead of cheer, and anyone you secretly resent reporting to.