For the past month or so this one word has been buzzing around many conversations and social settings that I’ve been a part of. Accountable. Every time I heard that word a little bell would go off. Ding ding ding! It’s been showing up in my social media feeds and webinars. Merriam-Webster defines accountable as: “1. required to explain actions or decisions to someone 2. required to be responsible for something”. We are all accountable for something and/or someone at various points in our lives. Husbands and wives are accountable to be faithful to each other. Children are accountable to their parents and teachers for obeying the rules set forth. If you are employed you are accountable to your employer for doing the job you were hired for. After much thought, I realized that there are four important components to accountability.
- Accountability is a choice. It is a choice to be responsible. You make a conscious decision to deal with the outcome good or bad.
- Accountability has a purpose. That purpose gives direction to your actions. It is your motivation. Your “why”.
- Accountability requires you to take ownership. When you’re accountable you have to stop the excuses and the blame game.
- Accountability requires a commitment. You make a promise that you will follow through on a particular action.
Each one of us is accountable for how we live our lives. We are accountable to ourselves and to each other. That’s a simple, but powerful statement. It’s also a bit tough to digest at times. How can we use accountability to improve and transform our lives? Think about what you are accountable for. Who are you accountable to? Are you holding someone accountable for their actions? How are you being accountable to yourself and others? Write down these questions and your answers. Look over it and meet me back here for part two of the accountability factor.
