How to Build Self-Accountability

Whether you’re focusing on your health, fitness, weight management, or self-care, none of that is possible if you don’t have self-accountability. Some people believe the whole concept of self-care should be re-labeled as personal accountability, and they might be onto something. After all, without accountability, we wouldn’t move forward.

So, whether you’re looking to become more accountable in your professional life, or at practicing self-care, or even with your relationships, these tips will help you make it happen.

Start by Reviewing Yourself

Before you even get started, you have to analyze yourself. Just as you get reviews at work, this time, try to review your accountability level for a change. If you’re not sure how to start, ask yourself:

• Have I accomplished my goals this month?
• Have I built upon my strengths and improved my weaknesses?
• Have I grown as a person?
• Do I notice my negative habits?
• Do I notice my negative self-talk?
• Am I staying away from toxic people?
• Am I writing down my goals and keeping track of them?

These simple questions can help you assess your current situation and notice where you stand. Make sure you write all of these answers down to give you a better perspective of what your priorities should look like.

Write Down Your Personal Mission Statement

Companies use mission statements to make sure that no matter what happens in business, they stay on the path that aligns with their core values and beliefs. As individuals, we need these mission statements to do the same for us. You don’t have to write an elaborate or poetic mission statement. A few sentences are all you need to align yourself with your long-term goals and stay accountable.

For example, your mission statement can be: “To prioritize self-care and mental health as a tool to help me stay balanced. And, to work diligently towards personal stability by accepting the opportunities that life throws at me and becoming mindful about every decision I make.”

As you can see from that statement, this is someone that wants to focus on self-care, mental health, and personal development. Ideally, if this was you, you’ll make sure to set personal goals that correspond with these values.

Focus on Micro-Goals First

Now that you have your mission statement, it’s time to break down the goals and plan of action. Remember that goals you don’t write or execute are merely wishes. However, the term “goals” can often be quite overwhelming, which is why you should start focusing on micro-goals instead.

If your longterm goal is to attend therapy once a month, then your micro-goal can be to journal every day for a month. While one seems to be more challenging and there’s a lot that can keep you away from attaining it, the other one is more manageable and digestible.

Reward Yourself

Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself. As you’re tracking the progress of your goals, set up monthly and quarterly reviews to offer yourself a reward. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but celebrating small victories can help you stay motivated and excited. Remember that self-accountability is all about making mindful decisions that will impact yourself today and tomorrow. You got this!