Accountability can have mixed connotations. For some, it’s viewed positively as it comes relatively easier to them; for others, it can be seen as something tedious and exhausting to keep up on a regular basis. Regardless of where we stand with our views, it still holds important for us to function to our best. Here are some pointers to keep in mind for better personal responsibility:
Values – These are what guides our ways of action and living. They hold the perspectives and beliefs that mean most to us and thus, become a major reason why we do even our most basic tasks. Examples of values are passion, fairness, loyalty, persistence, industry etc. They keep us in check with what we need to do. The more congruent our values are to our goals, the better, as incongruence can cause restlessness and dissatisfaction.
Goals – Our goals keep us in line with what we need to do. When our goals take focus, we more likely work along that timeline. S.M.A.R.T. Goals can be a helpful aid. These are Sustainable, Measurable, Achievable, Reasonable and Timely goals that are better defined and attainable versus having just a general, vague idea of what we want. It allows for in-built structure that we can work towards.
Feedback – While we know feedback can be constructive, we may not always truly enjoy being told that things could have been better done. We thrive on validation, and feedback can come off as an obstacle or even threat to that. It gets hard to be real with ourselves when we evaluate our work – either we’re too complacent or we’re too harsh. Being clear about the facts of the situation can be a way to discover and accept feedback within ourselves.
Structure – Even the most disorganized people follow a type of order, even if that order just means chaos. For us to have a system in place is freeing us from cluttered thinking. Create a structure that allows for constructive work such as timetables, spreadsheets and journals to keep the routine in check. Schedule both work and break times so both are prioritized well. Maximise productivity with end-of-the-day reflections and what might need to be done better the next day.
Peers – Sometimes self-accountability gets difficult or too draining. It’s alright to ask for help, though it can sometimes feel like we have failed for not being able to keep ourselves in check. Getting a friend to check in allows us to challenge ourselves as well as feeling emotionally supported knowing we have someone in our corner.