The Power of Showing Up: 12 Years of Accountability with Erik Stenbakken
Every week on Friday morning at 9:00 am, I hop onto a video call with my longtime friend and accountability partner, Erik Stenbakken. What began as a simple idea—“Let’s see how this goes”—turned into a weekly check-in that has continued consistently for over 12 years.
Before this weekly rhythm started, Erik and I had already known each other for nearly 30 years, going back to when he lived in Omaha, Nebraska and I was in Lawrence, Kansas. We used to have an annual check-in when he was living in Colorado and I was based in Rhode Island. Eventually, we both realized we wanted something more consistent, something to help us stay aligned with our goals and evolving careers. That’s when we started meeting weekly.
Our careers have paralleled each other in fascinating ways. One early memory: about 20 years ago, Erik visited me in Lawrence to borrow my Canon 1Ds digital camera—the top of the line at the time. I had recently transitioned from film, and Erik was exploring the same path. It marked a major turning point in how we both approached photography.
Fast forward to today, Erik still works in photography and video, but he’s also built a successful real estate investing company with his wife. He co-hosts a podcast called THE REAL ESTATE PESSIMIST: The good, the bad, and the TRUTH about real estate investing—a candid and informative show for others in the space. Give it a listen here.
My own path has evolved too. Video production now plays a large role in my business, and photography continues to be a key piece—used online in everything from social media to websites. The tools have changed, the platforms have changed, but the creative drive remains the same.
Each week, Erik and I set 2–3 goals. Some are professional, like updating a website portfolio, sending an email newsletter, making progress on a personal project, or researching a new niche, specialty, or industry for our business. Others are personal—walk 5,000 steps a day, stretch three times a week, or finish a book. Many of these goals are designed to create new habits or finally tackle tasks we’ve been putting off. And if we don’t meet a goal? There’s no shame—just support, encouragement, and a nudge to keep going.
“I know our accountability project has been immensely valuable to me. As you said, in so many ways. Professional. Personal. Artistic. It’s been amazing and I cannot imagine the last 12 years without it.”
We don’t just talk shop. Both of us love camping, hiking, and being outdoors. While I purchased an Airstream Basecamp 16x, Erik bought a van that he’s been retrofitting for the perfect vanlife adventures. On one business trip to Colorado, we met on a remote property, had our check-in under the open sky, cooked dinner in the Airstream, and soaked in the beauty of the landscape together. We even had a neighbor’s dog visit us and hang out. It was one of those moments that blended work, friendship, and freedom in the best way possible.
This accountability partnership has quietly shaped so much of my growth over the years—both personally and professionally. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t always happen in dramatic leaps. Sometimes, it’s just about showing up. Week after week. Year after year. And having someone across the country doing the same.
What do you do for accountability?