The Tough Part About Accountability

With all good things, there is always something tough about it. Accountability is one of those concepts that isn't easily glorified or attained, so it is less likely to be bastardized for selling bumper stickers and inspirational coffee mugs.  Accountability isn't something that gives you the warm and fuzzy feeling when you are in the middle of it.

But even with it being harder to lean into and more difficult to practice than love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, or self-control, it is the fruit of a different kind of spirit.

When you choose accountability, you choose to set yourself apart. You have made the choice to not settle for your comfort zone. You have decided to make a change that wasn't possible by just snapping your fingers and feeling happy feels.  Accountability is a decision that leads to discomfort.

Discomfort, when it is a choice, is a choice that isn't very popular. It is not a rally cry that is going to have people turn out in droves to get behind. It is the beginning of a lonely existence. When you choose to fight for the better tomorrow, the better you, the future that only accountability will unlock, you are choosing to no long say, "right now is good enough." And in doing so, you are saying to people who do say, "right now is good enough" that you believe there is more and you are moving to discover what is more. They might decide to join you, but that is a risk that accountability requires you to take.

Discomfort is a reason a lot of people stay where they are. The discomfort of now is more predictable than the discomfort of creating a new future. The discomfort of trying something new and failing is a risk a lot of people choose not to choose. It is the reason that there are a lot of groups that share a tolerance for discomfort. One group might all lean into the work required to get to the next level in their careers, relationships, or fitness. Another group might choose to be each others' excuses as to why not do the work to get to the next level. "If they're not doing it, I don't want to be the only one trying."

Kinda like ordering a plate of fries when you are out to dinner with your friends.

Accountability leads to discomfort. Discomfort leads to new choices. New choices lead to new outcomes. New outcomes lead to distance from your recent past. Distance can lead to insecurity on the part of others. Insecurity can lead to resentment and the desire to change you back.

If you commit to being accountable, you are risking your status quo for an uncertain future. But in taking that risk, you are choosing growth over stagnation and your future best over your current good.

The older I get, the few people I see choosing accountability and growth. And that sometimes gets a little lonely. But I can't stop now, I'm just getting started.

If you are reading this post and not already a "Roomie" - we'd love to include you in our discussions this month. In the same way we've tackled Curiosity and Accountability, we are diving into Community in April! Only Roomies have access to the conversations in real-time and are invited to the virtual meet-ups and discussions. You can join just for this next month or you can sign up for the year. Just check out your options here