Accountability is an Inside Job

Have you ever noticed that you tend to hold yourself more accountable when someone else is watching or depending on you? This realization can feel like a slap in the face, but it's crucial to pause the judgment and let it sink in. Accountability is a choice you make internally, regardless of external observation or influence. So why do we often reserve our best accountability efforts for when others are involved?

The Stop Gap of Self-Sabotage

It's easy to label our lack of follow-through as self-sabotage, but this often presents a stop gap in lieu of actual answers. The real issue lies in our choices. When we choose not to follow through, we are choosing to not be accountable. This is not a reason for judgment but an invitation to recognize the privilege of being able to choose and the opportunity to make a different choice. We shut down this opportunity when we don't recognize the privilege and own the choice which leads to missing out on valuable data. The reason you chose not to follow through could be due to a desire for comfort or avoidance of discomfort in the moment; or it could be due to necessary strategy adjustments. Recognizing this is the first step to creating more consistent accountability. It's the first step to building strategies to support forward momentum.

Setting Clear Goals and Plans

To build true accountability, start with clear, firm decisions about what you want and what it will take to achieve it. This begins with setting a goal and deeply understanding why you want it. Root into the idea of making it happen and outline the steps you need to take. A well-defined goal serves as a foundation for your accountability.

Following Through

Accountability lives in the follow-through. Make a solid plan and commit to it. When reasons not to follow through arise—such as fear, doubt, or a desire for comfort—recognize these as obstacles. When reasons to not follow through arise that are more strategy based- such as uncovering a step that you hadn't accounted for, an additional hire you need to make, or a shift in your schedule- recognize these as necessary strategic adjustments that support the end goal. The key is to not make any of these reasons to halt progress or second guess your ability to hit your goal. The key is to recognize that NOTHING HAS GONE WRONG. The truth is that obstacles and adjustments are part of the process and they only hinder follow through when we make them mean more than that.

Creating Filters and Anticipating Obstacles

Actively choose accountability by creating filters for your decisions. Filters are questions that help you move foward making decisions that align with your goal. One example is: Does this move me closer to my goal or further away?? Another example is: What would I decide if I knew I was going to reach my goal?

Another way to actively choose accountability is by anticipating obstacles. In The Self Trust Lab, we create an obstacle abatement plan. It serves the purpose of both normalizing obstacles as part of the goal process and creating strategies to overcome and manage the obstacles. My firm stance is that every goal should have in it's strategy to anticipate and allow discomfort- anticipate and allow a lack of motivation, anticipate and allow a lack of desire, anticipate and allow disappointment, frustration. Every goal, especially the bold and meaningful ones encounter these feelings and when we anticipate and allow them; they become proof we are on the right path instead of hitting a cataclysmic fail.

Create a Comfort Plan

Discomfort is inevitable when it comes to stretching yourself which is exactly what goals do. And this is good. I have a mentor who says "discomfort is the currency of your dreams"; and I have to agree. But it doesn't mean that we can't mitigate this discomfort or find ways to introduce comfort into our goal process. But we want to do this in a way that supports our forward movement. In a way that supports our desire to grow and achieve awesome goals. Many times our comforts remove us from the task at hand- watching netflix, going for a run, grabbing a snack, etc. These are our default comforts. Become aware of yours. And then create a plan for comfort that does not distract or remove you from the task at hand. In my book, Master Your Inner Dialogue, I share 4 categories of comfort as well as examples for each. They can be as simple as closing your eyes and taking 3 deep breaths or putting on an upbeat song.

Support and Tools for Accountability

While accountability is an inside job, this doesn't mean you shouldn't seek support, tools, and techniques to aid you on your path to success. In fact, building a strategic cache of tools and support is crucial. The key difference is that these resources should be used not to make you accountable but because you already are accountable. This shift is small but powerful.

By proactively seeking out and utilizing support systems, whether it's a mentor, accountability partner, or productivity tools, you reinforce your commitment to your goals. These resources serve as allies on your journey, helping you navigate challenges and stay focused, but the driving force remains your internal commitment to showing up for yourself and your goals.

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Ending and Takeaways

What will you take away from this article? The goal is for you to recognize that accountability is always an inside job and to actively choose it for your personal growth and goals.

1. Make Clear Decisions: Clearly define what you want and what it will take to achieve it. This clarity is the foundation of your accountability.

2. Anticipate Obstacles: Understand that obstacles will come whether in the form of feelings or strategic adjustments. Prepare for these obstacles and decide in advance how you will overcome them.

3. Create Comfort in Growth: Find ways to introduce comfort in moving towards your goals, ensuring that you can sustain your efforts even when it gets tough.

4. Leverage Support and Tools: Build a strategic cache of tools and support systems to aid your accountability efforts, reinforcing your commitment rather than driving it.

Remember, accountability is a powerful tool that you can wield at any time, not just when others are watching. Choose it actively, and watch your goals come to life.

Your journey to success starts with the choices you make internally. Embrace accountability as an inside job, and see how it transforms your path to personal and professional growth.