Take Accountability and Take back your power.

What is ACCOUNTABILITY?  Accountability is being held responsible for the results obtained after performing a given activity. 

You can reflect on your actions and understand your role in those actions.  

The actions you take determine the direction your life will go.  

@christiangafenesch on Unsplash

You shouldn’t be quick to blame others. Fortunately, throwing others under the bus was never my cup of tea. 

As a child, I learned that it’s more honorable to own up to your actions rather than blame others or make excuses about why particular occurrences or situations are someone else’s fault. 

On the other hand, I understand that holding ourselves responsible can feel risky. Admitting our faults may threaten our self-image and open us up to criticism from others. Thus, focusing on external circumstances is safer than looking at our actions. 

The truth is that you could be missing out on more happiness and success by trying to evade responsibility. 

You don’t get brownie points by making excuses for your actions or blaming others. Instead, acknowledge and evaluate your role in the situation and take action to avoid them in the future. 

@reneethompsonco courtesy of Unsplash

HURT PEOPLE ARE TRAUMATIZED 

 

Burying past hurts and pains doesn’t do not make them disappear. Instead, they lay dormant and become toxic to your well-being, presenting themselves when attacked or provoked by unpleasant conversations or situations.   

Taking accountability for your emotions helps you to avoid future blow-ups or breakdowns. Try seeking therapy to talk about those suppressed and unwanted emotions. Your healing starts within you, not at the expense of others.  

WORK ON YOUR SELF-ESTEEM 

It’s essential to work on building your confidence. Accept the good, The bad, and The ugly of your whole being.   

Don’t be a victim of your failures. Don’t let your defeats determine your future unless you rise above them. Your achievements in life can be motivated by your setbacks. Develop a mindset to overcome your mishaps by looking for the silver lining. Tap into your higher source of being and seek guidance to lead you to a more strategic way of doing things.  

MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE  

Taking responsibility for your actions puts you in control of your life. It allows you to learn and grow to show yourself that you can adapt to change and handle the consequences of your actions. It also allows you to resolve unfavorable circumstances.  

Monitor yourself. Pay attention to (perhaps you should use the words or phrases “focus on” or “assess” instead of “pay attention to”) your behavior even when there are no other witnesses around. Assume equal responsibility for successes and setbacks.  

Apologize promptly and sincerely when you let someone down. Next, make amends and avoid repeating your slip-ups.  

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

 @beckchileno on Unsplash

It’s insane to do something the same way every time and expect different results. You have the power or ability to change your patterns and behaviors. You can’t continue having a pity party Curate the life you want. Write a realistic life plan that would fulfill your wants and needs. Set achievable goals. Respect your limits and shorten your to-do list. Create priorities to help you accomplish more. Ask others for constructive feedback and how to make progress moving forward. Take note of specific observations, praise, and criticism given during feedback. Be grateful for any insights given. You’ll empower yourself to build the future you want.  

SET BOUNDARIES AND KNOW YOUR SELF-WORTH.  

Setting healthy boundaries and knowing your value is not an option; They’re necessities. Don’t be passive-aggressive. Learn to communicate your thoughts and ideas effectively and tactfully. Be so secure (perhaps “confident” is a better word choice here) in expressing your opinions, even if others disagree. When you learn to communicate effectively, you can also establish and implement healthy boundaries with others. [Therefore, I respect boundaries, and I try to learn what other peoples’ boundaries are.

Consider others:

Another reason to address your accountability is to consider your impact on others. For example, remember how you feel when a business or a loved one harms you and refuses to take responsibility.  

Lastly, you should surround yourself with people who bring out your best qualities and maximize your potential.  

When you are in the presence of people who challenge you to be your best self, you will be more productive.

In Conclusion, here are a few tips to guide your journey. (If this is a conclusion, you don’t share new ideas. If you want to give more tips, say, “Here are a few more tips to guide you on your journey.”) 

1.     Learn to listen to your emotions. Don’t ignore that small voice urging you to recognize that your feelings are negatively affected. It’s your choice to express your emotions.  

·        Strengthen your relationships.  

·        Earn trust by living up to your commitments.   

You’ll deepen your connections with family, friends, and co-workers.  

You can change your patterns and behaviors once you adapt to change and handle the consequences of your actions. Then, you are ready to resolve adverse circumstances.  

2. Be the role model you want to see. 

Provide yourself as a role model. By taking more accountability, you can automatically have a positive impact on others. Accountability is a skill that grows stronger with practice. Take charge of your life by assuming responsibility for your actions.  

EMPOWER YOURSELF TO BUILD THE FUTURE YOU WANT. 

@ohleighann on Unsplash.

Learn more about the importance of developing personal accountability. 

Benefits of Accountability: 

1.      Build confidence. True self-esteem requires having the courage to take an honest look at yourself. Accept your weaknesses and missteps, as well as your strengths and accomplishments. 
 

2.      Reduce stress. In the long run, facing the truth usually creates less anxiety than trying to cover it up. Being responsible allows you to enjoy greater peace of mind. 

Tips for Taking Accountability: 

 

1.      Evaluate your performance. Make it a habit to assess your role in any situation. While external events do matter, focusing on what you can control is more productive. 
 

2.      Monitor yourself. Pay attention to your behavior even when there are no other witnesses around. Assume equal responsibility for successes and setbacks. 
 

Tips for Fostering Accountability: 

1.      Communicate clearly. Encouraging a more accountable culture makes it easier to assume responsibility. Start by clarifying your expectations and the consequences of not meeting them. Ensure that you understand what others expect of you as well. 
 

2.      Be forgiving. Help others to be truthful. Respond with mercy rather than anger. You’re bound to need a second chance sometime too. 
 

Accountability is a skill that grows stronger with practice. Take charge of your life by assuming responsibility for your actions. 

Please feel free to comment below on some of your tactics and methods for dealing with accountability.

About the author :  Salasia is a freelance chef,  blogger, and certified health and wellness coach.