Checking Accountability

When you make a decision to accomplish something, do you keep it private? Or do you shout from the rooftops that you desire to achieve something of epic proportions? Some of us share our elephant-size goals with a limited audience while quietly making things happen. Others tell anyone who will listen about every move they make towards conquering the world. Then there are those who would rather not tell a soul about their plans for greatness.

Which category best describes you? How do you hold yourself accountable as you take aim at your greatest ambitions? Accountability requires you to justify any decisions or actions you make related to your goal(s). Kids begin to understand this concept at a very early age with adults. If you say you're going to do something, kids will hold you to your word without fail -- especially if it benefits them.

During our family getaway last weekend, my husband and I told our kids that we were going to the pool on Saturday. Little did they know, we also had other activities planned during the day which took priority. Throughout the day, my daughter asked "When are we going to the pool?". She expected us to be accountable for the words we spoke and she had no problem reminding us! When we responded with "Later," she followed up with a classic accountability question: "Why?". She wanted us to justify our decision to go to the pool later instead of right now.

When you establish a form of accountability in your goal-setting, it helps you stay focused on the task at hand. Here are a few options to consider on the accountability spectrum:

1. Write down your goals. When you put pen to paper, you are establishing a plan of record for what you want to achieve. Writing it down is the beginning of making it real and serves as a visual reminder. If it's not written down, there is no evidence that you ever wanted to pursue anything. Write the vision. Make it plain.

2. Choose an accountability partner. A spouse or a trusted friend could serve as a great accountability partner. Select a person who wants you to succeed and will question you if you're veering off track. They will challenge you to improve and tell you 'no' when you need to hear it.

3. Be responsible for someone else. Having an obligation to another person fosters accountability. When someone depends on you, they expect your words and actions to align. If you are not accomplishing what you set out to do, they will want to know "Why?". Just ask my daughter.

4. Make it public. Post your goals on a wall (real or virtual) for others to see. When the world is watching, it puts pressure on you to deliver. Give progress reports along the way. Your journey may inspire someone to start their own journey to greatness.

Question: What accountability measures do you use to make sure you accomplish your goals?

INK WELL SPOKEN

"Empowering Your Purpose with the Power of Words"

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