Being accountable is one of the more defining characteristics you can have. This is because it adds value to your word. When people see you doing what you say you’re going to do, they take your word for it a lot more seriously.
More importantly, accountability is a quality that can bring out the best in yourself. If you stay accountable to your word, you’ll be able to navigate any challenges that come up in life while staying true to your ethics.
With that being said, being accountable is difficult for most people. This isn’t a bad thing though, it simply provides you with more practice opportunities.
How to Hold Yourself Accountable
When it comes to being accountable, it is up to you to govern yourself. Unless you are paying someone to watch all of your actions (and somehow monitor your thoughts), it will be impossible for others to track them accurately.
For that season, it can be a struggle with making personal accountability a habit. It is easier when there is outside pressure from a boss or partner. But when you are on a diet and in between meals, who is going to stop you from a trip to the vending machine? It’s up to you, and you can make it happen with some simple tips.
Start by Being Aware of Your Shortcomings
The simplest way to start the practice of accountability is by being aware of when you didn’t do what you promised. From there, question yourself and your thought process to understand why you didn’t do what you said you were going to.
Questions You Can Ask Yourself Are as Follows:
- What prevented me from doing what I wanted to do?
- Was the reason I avoided acting inside my sphere of control?
- If so, how can I encourage myself to get over this mental barrier?
To find the answers to these questions, it starts with being honest with yourself. Self-development relies on you being true to yourself, and your word.
Reward Yourself When You Succeed
When you are true to yourself and you follow through with your words, you have just displayed accountability. As we noted earlier, this is difficult to pull off. So be proud when you do.
Self-development doesn’t always have to be challenging. The essence of it is to build yourself up. Anytime you make yourself accountable, take some time to reflect on the following:
- What am I learning about myself?
- What did I have to overcome to complete what I set out to do?
- What aspect of the task am I most proud of?
When you start to be accountable, you can begin your path to the future and dreams you want to achieve.
Do you have dreams that haven’t been fulfilled yet? If so, we can help. We understand how to help people find their vision and potential and we can figure out how to put yourself on the path to success. Just send us a message and we’re happy to help!
