How To Create Accountability
Well this doesn't sound fun. But like an investment bag, it's worth pulling the trigger.
If staying accountable means I can work with Sylvie, count me in.
Good day, ladies.
I have a case of the rainy day slumps today, as it is, indeed, raining.
Everything moves slower when it rains, including time. Instead of cursing the rain gods for putting a damper on my creativity, I’m going to turn my frown upside down and take advantage of the leisurely pace these gloomy days call for, including cleaning out the kitchen drawer that refuses to stay clean and creating art in the form of vision boards a la personal development and professional growth.
This prelude ties in nicely with today’s topic, as staying accountable — especially in times of duress or sheer annoyance — is hard.
The Key Piece in Your Mental Health Journey
Listening to Lori Harder’s podcast the other day gave me a sort of oohhhhhhhhhh, that’s why I keep spinning in circles type of moment. Accountability, people. We hear about it, we may even say it out loud to our faux accountability partner. But are we doing it?
Inspirational keynote speaker and author Ben Nemtin was Lori’s pod guest, talking all things accountability while providing tangible advice for us listeners during their chat.
Before getting into the goods, who gives a damn about accountability? Why should we care? Benjamin (Ben, can I call you Benjamin?) explains that we think we have all the time in the world to achieve our goals (hint: we don’t), so we put them on the back burner — and then they never end up happening.
THAT IS A SHAME.
Living Your Life For *You* By Staying Accountable
He says there are 3 things we need in order to create accountability in our lives, no matter if we’re trying to improve our mindset, our body, our finances, or our relationship. Here they are.
Write it down. Simple enough.
Share your goals. Ben says, “If you don’t talk about your dreams, no one can help you. The only way you can cross things off your list is by the help of strangers.”
Face your fear. Ben asks, “What is really at risk to going after your goals?” To which he answers his own question by stating, “Most often, it is your ego and only your ego.” Another thing? You don’t conquer your fear. You move through it.
I found this exercise to be incredibly helpful. He’s right. What are we so afraid of? Of what people will think of us? We need to get over ourselves and remember that life is short and precious and fabulous and that it is meant to be LIVED out loud — not simply exist in a fairy tale in our minds.
Takeaway
Whether you’re looking to keep yourself accountable on the health front, the financial front (moi), or the career or friendship front, give this exercise a go and find yourself an accountability partner — one that is not judgmental.
Thank you for reading. And good luck.
Keep being you. A more accountable you.
XO, Ash