Tips for Asking a Partner

 

For some, asking someone to be your CoJourn partner can feel nerve-wracking. This is a common feeling, but the truth is that most people are extremely honored to be invited to be someone’s partner, regardless of whether or not they are up for it. This type of personal growth program is not for everyone.

It is helpful to be patient and to find someone who really wants to try the program with you.

 

Along with inviting people individually, another way to look for a partner is to post on social media, or send an email to a group or listserv. CoJourn can be tricky to explain, so sending them a little information (or a copy of our book!) can be a helpful way to initiate this conversation.

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Below are a couple of emails you could adapt:

 

Email #1 (Mad Libs style)

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Dear [potential amazing CoJourn partner],

 

I recently learned about a really [adjective that works for you!] program that sounds like something I’d like to try. It is called CoJourn, and it’s a goal-setting and peer-support program that helps you to go after longer-term goals and intentions with a partner.

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The whole premise of the program is that having someone to be accountable to can help with follow-through. It involves setting a long-term Guiding Theme and using the program’s structure to check in (over the phone or in person) with a self-selected partner every week about progress. The time commitment is thirty minutes a week over the course of the program (typically 12 weeks, or a year).

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As I was brainstorming potential partners to invite to try it out with me, you were the first person I thought of. It would be so [adjective] to get the chance to talk to you once a week, and I think we could have a lot of fun supporting each other on our goals. You can read more about the program here: www.cojourn.org.

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Let me know what you think!

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And, if it feels like too much for you right now, I completely understand—but I wanted to make sure that I asked.

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Email #2 (written by a current CoJourn participant)

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Dear __________,

I’m about to launch into a few professional projects simultaneously, which is exciting and a bit daunting. I also have some [personal health goals]. Therefore, I’m seeking an accountability partner for the next six months or so. Might that be you?

 

Together we would:

• set goals (personal or professional).

• talk on the phone weekly for thirty minutes (fifteen minutes each), to check in and share about progress on our individual goals and offer support / insights if requested by a partner.

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If you’re reading this and feel a sense of excitement and maybe relief, then let’s talk! If

instead it feels like “just another thing to do,” then probably it’s not right for you.

Are you interested? Let me know by [Friday 2/16] please.