Accountability

Accountability. What exactly does it mean?

The definition according to Google is “An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.”

January always offers the hope of new beginnings and new challenges. One of the commitments I’ve made this year is to read the Chronological Bible in daily increments throughout the year. Joining in with a group from my church in this endeavor will help with accountability to see it through.

Anytime a question arises, or I want to discuss the reading for the day I have several people I can turn to for interaction and answers.

What about you?

Why try something new in the first place? If you’re like me, it’s because of that nudging deep inside that says you can drop that weight or read that book or write that novel. The inner drive to change something in your life, pursue a dream or reach for that goal cries out for success—at something.

Time has a way of dwindling the enthusiasm of reaching your goals before you make any real progress. And my guess is you didn’t have anyone to hold you accountable, or the goal may have looked too overwhelming.

Kind of like writing a novel.

When I decided to write that first novel the excitement almost had me hopping in my chair. I grabbed a glass of ice tea and a handful of chocolate and confidently scooted myself up to my desk. Yes. I was ready for the task.

My hands landed on the keyboard, ready for action, but suddenly the words scrambled in my head like someone pulled the handle on a pinball machine and the ball bounced around frantically. My thoughts tried to reel in the right phrase, the right opening, but it wouldn’t spill onto the paper the way I wanted. I rewrote the first line of that novel to what seemed like a gazillion times—over several weeks.

Many of you are writers, and you understand. I needed the first line that’s called “a hook” to be perfect and capture my future reader’s attention the moment they opened the book. Stressed, I knew it wasn’t perfect, but quitting wasn’t in my vocabulary. I wasn’t ready to throw my hands up and walk away. The desire to write was too great, and I had a story to tell. I reached out to my writing mentor who quickly sensed my frustrations. She brainstormed with me and offered suggestions and encouragement to carry on.

Find someone you trust and respect, share your thoughts and ask them to be your accountability partner. Having a friend to encourage you when you’re in doubt will help you stay on track to continue your journey.

I encourage you to stay focused, hang on to your motivation, and keep the outcome of your goal before you. You can do this!

What is your story? Who is your accountability partner?