What is accountability in self-care?
Self-accountability means taking responsibility for your actions and behaviors without blaming others. It means you're fulfilling your obligations, tasks, and goals without excuses. And, if an unexpected challenge comes your way, being accountable means you can focus on a solution without pointing fingers.
Being accountable for your actions supports personal development by welcoming the changes that accompany growth, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you. Resisting to adapt to new circumstances or opportunities seems like the easy option, but accountability will help you find better ways forward in the future.
If you really did let someone down, don’t make an excuse. Instead, admit that you know you made a mistake, reflect on what happened, and figure out how to make it up to them.
Here are some benefits of having greater self-accountability:
Greater self-awareness. You’ll have an easier time finding patience with yourself, feeling in control of your life, and deepening personal relationships when you can understand and accept your actions.
Better goal setting. Self-accountability also helps you prioritize when working toward your goals. Acknowledging that you choose how you spend your time allows greater productivity. Accountability reminds you to focus on your goals and use your time meaningfully.
Growth mindset. Accountability encourages you to be open to learning and developing rather than staying in the same place. You’re curious to try new things if it means achieving your goals and experiencing more self-improvement.
Increased self-confidence. Learning more about your capabilities builds self-confidence.
More motivated. Your motivation grows after reaching certain milestones, fueling your drive to keep setting new goals. If you can keep yourself on track to meet one goal, it will provide the burst of inspiration you need to focus on the next one.
Holding yourself accountable doesn’t happen overnight. While it might be tempting to blame others or make excuses, self-discipline combined with accountability means you’re managing your behavior and emotions.
Here are five tips for holding yourself accountable:
- Start small - Don’t expect to become a self-accountability expert overnight. As you’re starting this practice, take time to understand why you’re trying to be accountable in the first place. Then, break down tasks into smaller pieces to get started. Short-term goals are more realistic and achieving them will motivate you to continue. Developing these habits will be a big change, and starting small helps you adjust.
- Set goals - Goal setting forces you to own what you set out to do, so think carefully about what you aim to accomplish. Your long-term goals may seem daunting but breaking them into short-term goals helps them stay realistic. If you’re stuck, try using the SMART goal-setting method to ensure your goals are measurable and achievable.
Specific: Clearly state what you want to achieve.
Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress.
Achievable: Set goals that are realistic and within reach.
Relevant: Ensure your goals align with your overall objectives.
Time-bound: Give your goals a deadline or timeframe for completion.
- Create a schedule - A schedule creates a sense of control and accountability over how you spend your day. Form your schedule around when you’re most productive in your day. It’s helpful to plan ahead, things may pop up and disturb your plans, so leave some wiggle room. You'll have an easier time checking things off your to-do list if you’re realistic about how much you can accomplish in a day. Time management is difficult, but giving yourself reasonable timeframes to complete smaller tasks will help limit procrastination.
- Reward yourself - Make it a habit of celebrating wins, both big and small. Take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned after each milestone. This will help motivate you to continue working on your personal development. While some reward themselves with a fancy dinner or a cocktail night, others will enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading time or a long bath. Rewarding yourself is self-care, regardless of what that looks like for you.
- Have an accountability partner - Any self-improvement journey is more challenging alone, so find a family member, loved one, or friend with similar goals and support one another. Your accountability buddy is someone with who you can vent, discuss big goals, and exchange positive affirmations. Just make sure you’re comfortable confiding in them.
Accountability Mantra
Today, I embrace accountability in all aspects of my life. I take ownership of my actions, choices, and their consequences. I strive to learn and grow from challenges, recognizing that accountability leads to empowerment and progress. With each decision, I am committed to integrity, responsibility, and excellence. I am accountable, I am capable, and I am ready to make today great.