A team member’s five-year old child recently spilled their cereal bowl; the parent asked what happened and the child angrily shouted, “It’s not my fault! It’s your fault!” The parent responded, “How is that my fault?” “You put the cereal bowl too close to me!”
When the figurative “cereal bowls” of adulthood have spilled, have you ever screamed out, “Not my fault, your fault!” 🙂
We invite all to try the 21-day challenge (shared below) to rise above the blame-game and become truly accountable for your life and your actions.
What is Accountability
Accountability is taking ownership and accepting responsibility. It is saying, “I am responsible” and focusing on what you can control (control what you can control), regardless of the circumstance.
The 21-Day Challenge
So, we invite you to be accountable and take ownership of your life for 21 days. What does this mean? This means no blaming, criticism, and no excuses for 21 days. Period.
This means you are to take ownership of thoughts, actions, and words. Blaming is not allowed. Excuses are not allowed. Criticism is not allowed. None. In your mind and out loud simply say, “I am responsible,” and focus on what you can control to remedy and improve a situation or circumstance.
Even if something outside your control is impacting you, you can choose how you respond and how you resolve the situation. You are responsible for how you respond.
Why This is Life Changing
When we are accountable we shift our mindset from one of victimization and blaming to one of ownership and responsibility. We take control and ownership of the world around us instead of letting the world around us take control and ownership of us.
Where This Applies
This applies to all facets of your life!
With your personal health and well-being, take ownership.
With your relationships, family, and happiness, take ownership.
With your finances and financial planning, take ownership.
With your professional performance and ambitions, take ownership.
For 21 days, choose not to blame, criticize, or make excuses. When you feel yourself about to point the finger elsewhere, say to yourself, “I am responsible.” Then take ownership of what you can control and move forward from a place of responsibility and accountability.
Wrapping Up
You will feel truly liberated as you take ownership of your life. So give yourself the thrill of victory over making excuses by participating in the 21-day challenge. You’ll feel excitement and joy as you accept responsibility. And that’s becoming your best, as an individual and leader.
“Even when there’s a reason to blame someone else or there’s merit to your blame, taking responsibility for your life and actions gives you a starting point for moving forward.”— Steve Shallenberger
Want to see other articles and posts by Becoming Your Best? Go here.
Want to learn more about our training solutions?
Leadership Development: The 12 Principles of Highly Successful Leaders
Do What Matters Most: The #1 Time-Management and Productivity Solution
The Six-Step Process: Six-Steps to Solve Your Biggest Challenges
Free Resources