The Irony of Avoidance

Why We Procrastinate on Setting Up Accountability

It's a paradox that many of us face: we're quick to procrastinate on establishing accountability structures, viewing them as just one more to-do list item to delay . We recognize the need for systems that keep us on track, yet setting them up seems like an additional burden. Ironically, this hesitation is what accountability structures aim to conquer – the tendency to put off until tomorrow what could revolutionize our productivity today.

At the heart of this procrastination lies a deeper resistance. It's not about the time it takes to set up these systems or their complexity. It's about what they represent: a commitment to change, a challenge to our comfort zones, and a mirror reflecting our tendencies to avoid responsibility.

The Procrastination Pitfall

Picture this: you've got a brilliant idea for a project. You're excited, you're motivated, and you're ready to dive in. But there's one snag – you know you're prone to procrastination. So you plan to set up an accountability system. Yet, that step becomes the very task you put off. The project stalls before it even begins. This cycle is all too familiar, but why does it happen?

Fear of Failure

One reason we avoid setting up accountability structures is the fear of failure. Deep down, we're worried that even with these systems, we won't meet our targets, and our shortcomings will be fully displayed. So, we procrastinate on creating them as a way to avoid potential disappointment.

Resistance to Structure

Humans love freedom, and too often, we view structure as the antithesis of that. We hate the idea of accountability because it feels like a constraint, a set of rules that will box us in. Yet, in reality, structure is the foundation that freedom can be built upon.

The Accountability Paradox

Here lies the paradox: we resist setting up accountability because we're used to the flexibility that allows for procrastination. But without accountability, the very flexibility we cherish becomes our downfall, leading to more procrastination and less productivity.

Embracing Accountability as a Tool for Liberation

The twist is recognizing that accountability doesn't trap us; it frees us. It liberates us from the endless loop of putting things off and feeling guilty. Let’s explore how flipping our perspective on accountability can be the first step towards lasting change.

Shifting Our Mindset

A change in mindset is critical. Think of accountability not as a cage, but as a GPS for your goals – it’s there to guide you, keep you on track, and get you back on the wagon when you fall off. It’s a tool for empowerment, not entrapment.

The Simplicity of Accountability

Setting up accountability structures doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as a daily checklist, a weekly review, or a commitment to a peer or mentor. The act of setting these in place is itself a move towards defeating procrastination.

The Strength in Vulnerability

There is immense strength in the vulnerability of holding oneself accountable. It's an open acknowledgment that you're human, sometimes falter, and are willing to take measures to stay the course. This vulnerability is where true growth begins.

The Practical Path to Setting Up Accountability

So, how do we break through the resistance and set up the structures that could dramatically improve our efficiency?

Start Small

Begin with small, manageable accountability practices. This could be a daily ten-minute reflection on your goals, or sharing your to-do list with a friend or colleague who can check in on your progress.

Celebrate the Wins

Every time you adhere to your accountability structure, celebrate. These small victories create positive associations with accountability and reinforce your commitment.

Reframe Accountability

Reframe accountability in your mind as a series of checkpoints on your journey to success. Each check-in is an opportunity to celebrate progress, learn from mistakes, and adjust your strategy.

Conclusion: Accountability as a Catalyst for Success

In essence, dodging the task of setting up accountability is like procrastinating on plugging in your phone when it's on low battery – it doesn't make sense. Without accountability, we risk running out of power and stalling our progress.

Accountability structures are not about adding another layer of work; they're about ensuring that the work we do is effective and leads us to the outcomes we desire.

The avoidance of setting up accountability structures is often rooted in an aversion to the perceived extra effort and a fear of confronting our productivity.

Ultimately, the act of establishing accountability should be celebrated, not shunned. It is a declaration that we are taking charge of our behavior, our time, and our goals. It is a positive affirmation that we are stepping up, owning our actions, and committing to moving forward, regardless of the challenges we might face.

So let's shift from viewing accountability as a dreaded chore to seeing it as fundamental to our success. It's not about burdening ourselves with more tasks—it's about equipping ourselves with the right tools to make our tasks work for us, not against us.

Let's break free from the chains of procrastination and wield the power of accountability to drive us toward our most ambitious goals. After all, the journey to the top is best navigated with a clear map and the willingness to follow it—one step at a time.

P.S. Wondering why, what, and how to pivot for better goals and business outcomes? Let's connect and explore the best accountability path forward for you.

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Best regards,

Bas Lebesque - your personal executive coach