An Observation About Accountability

Apparently solid, as so oft-repeated bit of advice:

Want to make a change/work toward something/adopt a new habit? Make your self accountable: tell everyone and commit to reporting about your progress! The social pressure will work wonders!

Well hello there, piece of advice that does not work for me at all. Making myself “accountable” to others for something I want to achieve for myself essentially amounts to being observed by others. The effect of being observed doing something? I will do nothing, if I can help it. And as I would be doing something for myself, that is easily accomplished. Helpful social pressure my patootie.