In the last post we talked about the importance of holding others accountable in an effective way.  In this article we will explore the importance of our own accountability.  In truth, there is nothing more important in life than our word.  Our word can make or break our reputation, our self worth and overall-our success. Let’s look at how our integrity relates to producing results in life.  Some people feel that results are the same as having no results plus a good excuse.  That somehow it’s OK that we don’t produce what we said we would, as long as we have a really good excuse!  Nothing could be further from the truth.  The only thing a good excuse is good for is creating resentment, frustration, and dissatisfaction.  The more we use excuses, the more other people will come to count on us as a big excuse.  They will trust that we will not follow through, and all they will get is a great excuse.  This is not the formula for success. The formula for success is … [Read more...]

Why is accountability such an issue for us in life?  Why is so hard to hold people accountable and to be held accountable?  Do you ever feel that you are not very successful at handling it when people break their word to you? First let’s look at what happens when others break their word.  Often times we get very upset when others don’t follow through like they said they would, and the reason for this is what we interpret their actions to mean.  We often make the assumption that their actions meant something about us.  We take it personally.  For example, my husband was late for dinner and I interpret that to say he doesn’t care about us.  Or my boss didn’t acknowledge the great job I did on a project and I interpret that to say he doesn’t appreciate me.  It’s never what happened that has us upset, it’s what we make it mean.  The same is true with people breaking their word to us.  We assume they meant to hurt us, or don’t care, or that we are not important … [Read more...]