Blaming The Dog
Personal accountability can be like blaming the dog for walking across a freshly mopped floor.
It’s easy to accuse the dog, but it’s more important to own up to these moments.
How about when you say that you’re going to the gym four times a week then you’re too busy when the time comes. There is always going to be one more email to check or presentation to write or snack in the pantry calling.
“I’m merely trying to manage my stress,” you might say, sitting in front of your computer with a half-eaten bag of chips by your side.
Ah, stress—the greatest excuse! I know because this was me.
Or we’ll say, “I’m going to save money,” then we meet friends out, justifying a tab for a three-course meal and drinks by saying, “I’ve got to eat” or “I deserve some fun!”
In relationships, accountability can get trickier. “We’ll communicate more,” we promise our partner, while simultaneously looking at texts and posts on our phones during dinner. It’s incredible how effective body language can be!
So, what’s the secret to embracing personal accountability? It’s about recognizing that stumbling is part of the journey.
Personal accountability is the act of taking responsibility for our words, actions, and behaviors, and the consequences that follow. It involves owning up to our mistakes, learning from them, and doing what we can to make amends. When we acknowledge missteps, shaking off the falls and repairing the mixed messages they send becomes a lot easier.
Holding ourselves accountable creates an environment of trust and integrity, both within ourselves and with others. It can have a positive impact on our mental health, relationships, and careers.
When we take personal accountably, we:
Take Ownership: Avoid blaming others or making excuses
Follow Through: Take commitments seriously and do whatever possible to achieve goals
Acknowledge Mistakes: Learn from failure to improve future action
Persevere: Stick with it and bounce back from setbacks
Be Honest: Respectful and truthful with apologies, feedback, and praise
Embracing personal accountability begins with self-reflection to assess our actions and acknowledge where we need to improve. We need to recognize our successes and failures, understanding that both are essential for growth. By identifying the factors contributing to positive and negative outcomes, we can learn valuable lessons that inform future behavior.
Setting clear goals and and defining objectives fosters a sense of ownership. When we set our own goals, we are more likely to commit to achieving them, track progress, and measure success.
Seeking feedback from peers, mentors, or coaches who can provide external perspectives helps us develop an accountability support system. Regular check-ins or progress reports can serve as reminders to stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
In the context of organizations, fostering a culture of accountability can enhance overall performance. When team members are encouraged to take responsibility for their roles, it strengthens collaboration and drives results. Leaders who model accountability are transparent about their own challenges and focus on collective growth.
Ultimately, accountability is about fostering an internal drive to pursue goals with integrity and determination. It enables us to navigate challenges effectively, supports our personal and professional development, and contributes to a positive organizational culture.
Embracing this principle can lead to transformative change, both individually and collectively.
Interested in learning more? Contact me at https://www.debrahollowayphd.com.