Accountability

Everybody likes to duck the idea of accountability. We harken back to our younger days when we were kids, and the thought of accountability meant we were always in trouble. And yet, being accountable is so much more and so much better than what we remember from those days of yore.

We have to think of accountability as the ability to get things done. People count on us to do so, and our body does reward us for completing tasks. Our brains produce endorphins when we get something done and are happy with it. And, of course, endorphins make us feel better.

Being accountable to myself is very hard to do. I seem to always give myself a break, overlook things, and tell myself that it will be okay. I can get it done tomorrow. In other words, when it comes to me, it seems I’m a pushover.

To counter this, I have others who I work with, and I am accountable to them, and they are accountable to me. We write to each other, and encourage each other, and hold regular phone calls.  Each of us works on similar yet different projects, and each has their own accomplishments and setbacks. Yet there is something positive about the human interaction that gives each of us a positive experience that helps us to do better in our daily work.

If you’re having a hard time getting things done, I would like to recommend that you find a friend or colleague who you could be an accountability partner with. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and, like me, you might find it helps you to accomplish the things you’ve always wanted to get done.

Remember, you are not alone. Many of us have this type of problem. And you would be surprised how many people would like to have an accountability partner for encouragement and to share successes.

Thanks for reading, see you again tomorrow.

Author: Mike Balof

A retired Air Force Master Sergeant, Mike used to lay in bed at night and worry about what would happen if his plant closed or found himself without a job. One day his plant closed. Rather than panic and hysteria (OK, maybe a little) Mike found himself carried away on the adventure of his life. Mike started with the best job he ever had working at Home Depot. He spent 8 years working with job seekers at a local workforce center, helping them to find employment. He then started his own company developing courses, writing books and urging others to follow their own paths into the future. Mike holds a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Training and a Bachelor of Business Management, earned through the University of Phoenix and an AAS degree in Electronics Systems Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Mike is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society. View all posts by Mike Balof