Accountability is not an easy concept to understand and adapt.
Many people struggle with being accountable in their daily lives because either they do not know the true meaning of being accountable, or they do not know how to go about it.
Being accountable falls under self-discipline and it takes a lot for one to remain self-disciplined and motivated. In this article, we are going to highlight different ways by which one can stay motivated daily and hold oneself accountable for their actions.
Before we go on, what does it mean to be accountable? It is an acceptance of responsibility for honest and ethical conduct towards others; the state of being responsible for what you do and being able to give a satisfactory reason for it. Accountability also means showing up and setting out to accomplish the things you said you would do. So you may ask, apart from being honest, what are the things one must do to be accountable?
Here are some right ways and strategies by which one can be accountable, stay on track and achieve one’s goals.
Set Clear Goals
An achievable goal is SMART- Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. Once you set your goals with this standard, you become productive and this enables you to stay motivated to do greater things which you have set out to do.
Break Down Your Goals
Goals are easier to manage and achieve when they are divided and sectioned into smaller milestones. This also makes it easy to conquer challenges that may come your way. By doing this, one can stay motivated and even be challenged to create or discover solutions to problems that have lasted for a while.
Find Your “Why”
Knowing why you want to achieve a particular goal helps you stay on track. It reminds you why you started the journey to achieving that particular goal and propels you to the finish line.
Prioritise Tasks
Determine which tasks are most important and focus on completing them first. This aids your productivity level and increases your chances of finishing your tasks on time and getting enough rest. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritise effectively. Do this and you will be amazed at the results.
Get Enough Rest
Sleep and rest are important for the body and mind to function. Anyone who operates with a body that lacks sleep will be less productive at the end of the day. This does not help one to stay motivated because fatigue becomes the order of the day. So, to keep being motivated for your tasks, get enough rest when needed and deserved.
Establish a Routine
Consistency is key. Make it a routine to always finish tasks and when that is not possible, give yourself a grace period to finish it up. Also, set a daily or weekly routine that includes dedicated time for working on your goals.
Stay Organised
There are a variety of tools to use to stay organised. The organisation makes you accountable for actions regarding your goals. It keeps you in check, just like routines do. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, reminders, sticky notes or project management apps to keep track of tasks and deadlines.
Seek an Accountability Partner
Share goals with a friend or friends that can keep you in check and on track. This is one of the most important strategies for being accountable. An accountability partner can tell you of your wrongs and rights and this helps you tackle tasks clearly and effectively. Regular check-ins with someone or people can help you stay motivated.
Reward Yourself
No matter how small, celebrate milestones and wins when you have completed tasks. This serves as a positive reinforcement to one’s well-being and mental state. Rest can be a form of reward but make sure you don’t stay too long resting as it can set you back.
Stay Inspired
Read books, start your day with prayers and the scriptures, and listen to podcasts that can help you stay motivated and shed more light on being accountable. We learn every day and every time.
Keep a Journal
Writing down progress, thoughts, feelings, etc., can help you reflect on your journey so far and check where you are lagging and need to put in more effort. This helps you stay motivated.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Endeavour to be around people who can help and support your cause. Spend time with individuals who encourage you to do well and do better. This also helps you stay accountable and motivated because there are people around you who will help you even when you don’t feel like it.
Take Care of Your Health
Rest was talked about earlier. This goes beyond resting and sleeping. This strategy advises you to eat balanced diets, exercise regularly as it helps your physical and mental health, prioritise self-care and manage stress efficiently. This will aid you to sleep better and live healthier.
Learn From Setbacks
Challenges are there for us to overcome as well as to learn from. Try not to be too overwhelmed by them as they are grooming and preparing you for better handling in the future. Do not dwell on them, instead, use them as stepping stones and opportunities to grow.
Stay Flexible
Be open to adjusting your goals and plans if necessary. Life can be unpredictable, so adapt as needed. When plans do not go the intended way, re-strategise rather than give up.
Conclusion
Motivation can ebb and flow, but by implementing these strategies and staying committed to your goals, you can maintain a higher level of motivation and accountability over the long term.
Researched by: Aduloju Oluwatoyosi Afolabi
