Accountability means being responsible by justifying actions, behavior, and decisions. It is the key to personal growth and development, empowering your rise in leadership. Though it is necessary for success, how often are you actually accountable and to whom?
We tend to perform better when we are being observed. Whether you are focused on personal wellness or career advancement, accountability will help you reach the goals you desire. Keep in mind, what gets measured can be managed. Allowing others to participate in your journey will empower you as you receive feedback through another person’s eyes.
Accountability forces us to stay committed to the task. I remember once my husband, Keith, and I were training for the San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon. During the training, I have to admit, I wanted to quit, feeling that all the labor and sacrifice was not worth it. However, Keith would weekly share a “marathon update” with an audience of 200-300 people, on average. Each time, I would either laugh or cringe as he shared our victories and defeats of the week. During the daily runs, I would tell myself, “There is no backing out now. People are waiting to hear the rest of the story. Give it all you got!” The updates made our commitment stronger. Oh, and by the way, we successfully completed our mission and did have a story to tell!
Being accountable will also help you learn from the success and failure of others. I often shared that I am the poster child of “what not to do.” However, it only takes one time to get it right. I have learned that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it. Someone who has been there and done that can empower you with their wisdom and guidance as you navigate through the winding path of your journey in life. Take time to listen to them and apply what they have learned.
Also, being accountable will help you to lead by example. When teaching A.R.I.S.E. I share with my students that I am not teaching them something that I am not doing. If I teach it, I practice it. The lessons are what I have learned through my own life’s experiences, and they work for me. Though I am still a work in progress, I invite them to come and grow with me. Accountability is important, as others look to you to see if what you say really works. They will know by the way you conduct yourself when no one else appears to be looking. Believe me, someone is ALWAYS looking. So, be that example that others can follow to success.
Though it is not easy and rather humbling, accountability will be your friend in the end. Find someone whom you trust that will be honest, brutally honest when necessary. And go after that goal. You can do it. It’s your destiny. Let’s keep growing and going. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela