In a world where promises are often made but not often always kept and accountability is sometimes scarce, the significance of being a person of your word cannot be overstated.
Accountability is more than just a buzzword; it's a cornerstone of personal integrity and transformative change. So why is being a person of your word so crucial, and how does it truly change everything? Let's delve into the science, stories, and significance behind accountability and how being a person of your word can have profound effects on individuals and communities, shaping a culture of trust, reliability, and progress.
The Science Behind Accountability
Numerous studies in psychology highlight the connection between accountability and goal achievement. When individuals commit to specific goals and are held accountable for their progress, they are more likely to follow through and succeed. Research by Dr. Gail Matthews at Dominican University of California found that people who wrote down their goals, shared them with others, and sent weekly progress reports were significantly more likely to achieve their objectives compared to those who did not engage in such practices. This underscores how accountability fosters a sense of responsibility, motivation, and focus.
Research in psychology highlights the importance of accountability in fostering trust, building relationships, and achieving goals. Studies have shown that individuals who hold themselves accountable are more likely to follow through on commitments and exhibit greater levels of self-discipline and integrity. Moreover, accountability promotes a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to increased motivation and resilience in the face of challenges. Neuroscientific studies have also revealed that when we make a public commitment or promise, our brains activate regions associated with social reward, reinforcing our desire to uphold our word. This phenomenon, known as the "accountability effect," leverages social and psychological mechanisms to reinforce positive behaviour. When we publicly commit to something, whether it's a fitness goal, a professional project, or a personal promise, the fear of disappointing others motivates us to stay true to our word. Neurologically, this process activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine when we meet our commitments, reinforcing the behaviour and creating a positive feedback loop.
Alexanders Story
The power of accountability is perhaps best illustrated through real-life stories of individuals who have embraced this principle and witnessed its transformative effects. Now knowing some of the science behind accountability lets delve into a story that shows how accountability impacts relationships with others and with yourself.
Lets take Alexander ( I think I'm going to stick to the name Alexander being our character for these blogs. Simply because... Alexander The Great is my favourite historical figure lol) a busy professional juggling multiple responsibilities. Despite his hectic schedule, he made a promise to himself to prioritise self-care and exercise regularly. Initially, it was challenging to find time amidst work demands and family obligations. However, Alexander decided to join a fitness accountability group, where members shared their goals, progress, and setbacks. Knowing that others were counting on him and witnessing their dedication inspired Alexander to stay committed. Over time, he not only improved his fitness but also gained a sense of accomplishment and accountability that spilled over into other areas of his life.
It wasn't just the fact he became disciplined in fitness to achieve his ideal body goals and therefore reaped the benefits both socially, mentally and physically, having that sense of self achievement and evidence stacked ability to do what he said he would do. But its also the fact that because of Alexanders actions towards accountability it truly inspired others that had started out in the same position or in an even worse position. The thing is taking accountability doesn't only increase self respect from others but it increases self respect for yourself. You no longer have doubts or question yourself or fall back into the comfort zone because you feel a type of pressure placed upon you, instead you rise up to the occasion and take action towards being your best self, which ultimately inspires others and shows sign of a leader. No matter if you are a Man or Women accountability applies to all as doing things even when we don't want to and developing a consistency with our habits shows us and others what we are truly capable under any conditions.
Strengthening Relationships and Trust
Accountability serves as a cornerstone of healthy relationships, whether in personal or professional spheres. It isn't just about personal goals; it's also crucial for building trust and reliability in relationships. Whether it's meeting deadlines at work, honouring agreements in personal relationships, or following through on societal responsibilities. Studies show that individuals who hold themselves accountable and follow through on commitments consistently are viewed as trustworthy and dependable. Even without the science, think back to a time where someone you knew followed through with a commitment. How much respect and trust did you have for them for that? Or in-fact think of someone who you didn't trust that well or couldn't really depend upon but for some reason they changed their behaviour, and they started to become more dependable as they took on the traits of accountability?
Did you change your view of them ?
did you start to have more respect ?
In-fact did it even inspire you to level up and grow more because of this ?
Its not just about us ourselves being accountable. You can see how someone else being accountable can cause a ripple effect in which others too, take on these traits. It may start with you but with time others around you will notice and follow suit. In order to seek change in others you first must show the traits you want others to show.
Overall accountability fosters stronger bonds, enhances communication, and mitigates conflicts all the while cultivating a culture of mutual respect cooperation and growth. In contrast to this, a lack of accountability can erode trust, lead to misunderstandings, and strain relationships over time. And im sure we have all suffered with this too whether its our friendships , partners or family when either side of the relationship starts to falter in their accountability an aura of resentment or distrust forms. Now would you rather have that factor linger over your relationships or would you rather do something about it and become the person you need to be so that others can depend on you too.
Most crucially and something that you should explore yourself is the relationship with yourself, its not always about others but most of the time it starts from within, as the trust and accountability starts with how you feel about yourself. Holding yourself to extreme accountability allows you to grow exponentially as you take ownership of the situation that is presented to you.
Don't have that dream body of yours yet?
Why ?
Most likely because you haven't put in the effort time and research to accomplish it, instead of victimising ourselves and feeling insecure about our lack of achievement. Looking within ourselves acknowledging and validating our thoughts and feelings but evaluating and changing things means we take accountability for the results, outcomes and reasons as to where we are now. In essence extreme accountability gives us the power to change our situation at any given time. However it is up to you if you make the change towards being accountable to the commitments and goals you want to achieve or whether you will continue to act nonchalant and stay within your comfort zone.
Driving Societal Progress. The Ripple Effect of Accountability
On a broader scale, accountability plays a pivotal role in driving societal progress. as discussed previously it goes beyond individual benefits, accountability has a ripple effect that extends far beyond personal achievement. When leaders, institutions, and communities uphold their commitments and take responsibility for their actions, it lays the foundation for a more just, transparent, and equitable society. The thing is that this may be where the controversy comes into play. The big problem with the Western civilisation is the lack of accountability we have for ourselves but as a society in general. Not only have we fostered a society in which we no longer keep ourselves accountable but it extends towards friends, communities and even to the governments. This has lead to a degeneration of how society functions as a whole maybe it doesn't effect you immediately or maybe it does. But the broader issue here is that once accountability left from our common principles and values its created a cascading ripple effect in which most institutions and governments have an aura of a lack of accountability and lack of trust for not only getting the job done but lack of trust for serving their people and communities to the best of their abilities.
Have you ever thought about why you are the way that you are or why you don't want to stick to keeping yourself accountable or even committing it to others ? Because i know i have before and still have to make myself aware of this...but to put it simply its because the association around us that trickles down from the top to the bottom simply show that they do not care which in turn lets us internalise that things don't matter either.
So what is the solution, how do we resolve this problem? Well It may be unconformable, in-fact you may even roll your eyes to this simple answer but none the less its true. If we change ourselves others will change around us, that's it! thats literally it! If we hold ourselves to a higher standard and encourage others too this will have the reverse effect of being less accountable, just like how, you can see how society as a whole is becoming less accountable, becoming more accountable will have the same ripple effect but in reverse . It creates a ripple effect that positively influences communities and organisations, this does mot mean that i give you permission to be annoying or pester others over their lack of accountability a soft nudge is fine but being persistent is never the answer. Even better is to ask for their permission to hold them accountable first before you start being that annoying friend!
Let's actually break it down, lets think about it for a second. How do we ensure and instill principles. Well as i said before it starts with you. As you start to level up and have higher standards self confidence and leadership this will transmit to friends and partners, if you hold firm, others will see just how cut above the rest you are and will go from trying to drag you down to their level and not take you serious, to starting to respect and look up to you, now why is this important? Because as a result this influence will transmit to your relationships but most importantly to your partner, when you and your partner are accountable this will show and be passed down to your child. The nuclear family is one of the greatest things man kind has created, the proof is in the pudding. Don't be fooled this doesn't mean living a strict life or not having fun or having moments of joy its about the overall principle and what is shows to your children!
Humour me for a second. Imagine this. Imagine raising a generation of accountable people, how would society look how would it function, what would happen ?
could you imagine how differently we would operate ?
Imagine the people in government ? The CEO's of institutions and corporations. The communities that would be fostered as a result. Now tell me, even though its a dream wouldn't it be better for all of us to act and strive for a dream like that where we could trust and know that the people in authoritive positions can be held accountable? The ability for people of all sorts to be able to trust each other. We've gone from a society where we could trust our neighbours, kids could play in the neighbourhood/park. To one in which we don't even trust our neighbours and people around us. The saying nothing changes if nothing changes holds true, so unless we change ourselves so that society changes then nothing will be done.
When we hold ourselves accountable, we inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of trust, reliability, and integrity within our communities and organisations. Imagine a team where every member takes ownership of their tasks, communicates openly, and follows through on commitments. Such a culture of accountability leads to increased productivity, improved teamwork, and a shared sense of achievement. Similarly, in societal contexts, accountable leadership fosters transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making, contributing to a more just and equitable society not only is it a good value to live by but the ripple effects it has, has only an abundance of upsides.
Cultivating Accountability in everyday life Daily Life - the actionable steps
So how can you cultivate accountability in your daily life? It begins with setting clear goals and objectives and becoming a person of your word?
Start by setting clear, achievable goals breaking them down into actionable steps, and holding oneself answerable for progress and sharing them with trusted individuals such as an accountability partner, your spouse, mentor or joining accountability groups.
Create systems of accountability, such as regular progress checks, reminders, deadlines, or rewards, that track performance and provide feedback. Cultivate a mindset of integrity and responsibility, where your word is your bond, and follow through consistently. Practice honest communication, acknowledging challenges, and seeking support when needed.
Work on becoming okay at recognising that your actions have consequences, not only for yourself but for those around you. Being self aware enough to recognise when you may need help in staying accountable will overall help you stay in course with your goals. Regular reflection and evaluation also play a crucial role and will help. Journaling helps unlock your thoughts and allows you to learn from successes and setbacks alike, and adjust your course as needed as you write things down and think over them.
By embodying accountability, you not only elevate your own life but also inspire positive change in those around you. And most importantly, lead by example, demonstrating your commitment to accountability in all aspects of your life.
Success is a path of uncomfortable choices:
Excuses here and there are okay but why would you even want to give yourself the opportunity to start lying to yourself or influence your mind to accept mediocrity? Your biggest excuse for not taking action and holding yourself accountable will be your downfall, maybe its your schedule, personality traits, or circumstances. If these reasons stop you from taking action then you're right, you wont ever make it and its not your fault! The objective, the goal and the dream isn't for you and its not your fault that you never achieved it. how does that make you feel ? If it made you feel anger or pathetic then you know you could do something about it. That's taking extreme accountability, knowing and recognising your excuses are simply, permission slips and lies you feed yourself, to avoid exceeding your limits or pushing yourself out the comfort zone to progress to the level you want to be.
its not about your current situation. What you feel is valid and no one can take that away from you but recognising that someone somewhere has it harder than you, and they still made it, so that begs to differ why cant you? The steps to success aren't correlated to your circumstances, you can still be tired and go to the gym, you can still be busy and prioritise time for people, you can still be shy or introverted and make connections. Success is mechanical and it does not care where you live, how you feel or your age, it cares about you doing the work and in turn you will get the outcome.
Conclusion: The Transformational Power of Keeping Your Word - how i changes everything
In conclusion, accountability is a catalyst for personal and collective transformation and being a person of your word have far-reaching effects that extend beyond individual success. its not just a buzzword or a fleeting trend—it's a fundamental principle that has the power to transform lives, relationships, and communities.
They strengthen relationships, foster trust, drive progress, and contribute to a more ethical and responsible society. By becoming accountable in our actions, honouring commitments, and leading with integrity, we not only transform our own lives but also inspire others to do the same. As the ripple effect of accountability spreads, it creates a wave of positive change that transcends boundaries and uplifts communities worldwide.
Through scientific backed research and inspiring stories, we've seen how the act of being a person of your word can change everything. accountability influences behaviour, It motivates action and fosters a culture of excellence and responsibility.
So just as I the author of this blog commit to becoming more accountable, i too challenge you, if that is... if you are an ambitious driven individual and want to explore your potential. Let's make a promise—to ourselves and to others—to uphold accountability as a guiding principle and watch how it transforms us and our world.
one commitment at a time!
We are here to change lives here to provoke thought and here to help you be your best, maybe you found this wishy washy and intense , maybe this resonated and made you think hard. Either way, try these concepts and the principle of accountability into your life and see for yourself what becomes of you.
Stay awesome and keep working on becoming your best self
Adios Amigos
Bradley D.R
Co-director of KINGS PIECE
