Are You Accountable?

Many times when we are presented with a new idea, whether it be a new company target, friend/family request, or group goal, it is often stated as in the subject of “we”. Two such examples would be “we can make a difference together”, or “we can accomplish this goal”.

The question is: Does the word “we” have and advantage or disadvantage versus using the words “I” or “you” when it comes to accountability.

The answer: Absolutely Yes, Yes, Yes!

The biggest problem with stating things in the “we” mentality is that it excludes the “I”, “you”, and “me” from the accountability side of the equation.

The word “we”, suddenly becomes the perfect justification for the excuse of “if ‘I’ don’t do it, where it is a job for ‘we’ or ‘us’, then I bet somebody else will pick up the ball.”

The following short story describes what really happens when we turn our heads and cop out from personal accountability.

This story is about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job.

Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Are you picking up balls and running with them regardless of who “owns” the problem. If they are on your team then why not?

Excerpted from Mel Gil’s book “Uncommon Sense” below is a list of personal accountability excuses to be aware. Try to avoid using any of them as they are all poor excuses for not completing a job and the more often you catch yourself using them, the more aware and accountable you will become.

1. I’ll try
2. If ____ then ______
3. I forgot
4. It’s not my fault
5. I had no choice
6. I can’t
7. I had no control
8. I’ll wait and see
9. I don’t know
10. It’s not my job
11. That’s the way I am
12. Nobody told me

Daily Natural Highs

The following is a list of “Natural Highs”, or thing that perk up the soul and give us a burst of warm energy.

Take a moment out of your hectic schedule to think about at least one of the following list of Natural Highs.

Picture one at a time in vivid detail, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild before going on to the next one.

* * * W A R N I N G * * *

Thinking about these will make you feel good so be careful, you might not be used to supporting yourself with warm positive energy.

DAILY NATURAL HIGHS

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket.

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry ).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach.

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you’re beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS

24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

26. Your first kiss (the very first).

27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

28. Playing with a new puppy.

29. Having someone play with your hair.

30. Sweet dreams.

31. Hot chocolate.

32. Road trips with friends.

33. Swinging on swings.

34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

35. Making chocolate chip cookies.

36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

37. Holding hands with someone you care about.

38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

39. Watching the expression on someone’s face as they open a much desired present from you.

40. Watching the sunrise.

41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

42. Knowing that somebody misses you.

43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

44. Knowing you’ve done the right thing, no matter what other people think!