During my time in the military, we had something called the buddy system, where two individuals always knew each other’s whereabouts, both mentally and physically.

 

Today, as adults, we sometimes need a buddy system not just for our whereabouts, both mentally and physically, but also for someone to bounce an idea off that we’re thinking about in life.

 

In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in two Maxwell Leadership Accountability sessions that last, I believe, 90 days each.

 

Each one of those accountability sessions was where we met each week for an hour to discuss various things we were working on.

 

It was a commitment within the group to be accountable to each other.  Although we had three people within our group, it was probably the most meaningful weekly conversation I’ve experienced.

 

We are all undisciplined in various areas of our lives, whether we know it or not.

 

As John Maxwell says, “Accountability makes us better.”

 

Sometimes we need to recognize there are gaps in our lives that need help closing.  What gap do you need closing today?

 

Accountability Makes You Better | Maxwell Leadership

 

There is also a word called self-accountability.

 

Meaning taking responsibility for our own actions.

 

We should all take notice that having the proper mindset is so important.

 

I can vividly remember my Saturday morning 5- to 10-mile runs with two or three running buddies years ago. Especially during my time in the military when I was stationed in Hawaii and Fort Bragg.

 

Back in those days, you were required to run four miles within 32 minutes.

 

It paid off for me when I went to Airborne and Air Assault school during my time in Hawaii from1985-1989.

 

I didn’t hurt knowing I was already in great shape from being a Drill Sergeant for three years prior, 1982-1985.

 

I knew if I didn’t show up, they wouldn’t call me out because back then no one carried phones to go running.

 

That’s why our words must matter along with the proper mindset.

 

How we speak to ourselves is so important, which is tied to our purpose.

 

Having the proper mindset is so important.

 

If you haven’t read Carol S. Dweck’s book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, I would highly recommend it.

 

Dweck’s Mindset Theory: How to Develop a Growth Mindset – Growth Engineering

 

For those who have accountability partners, continue to tap into each other for support.

 

For those who don’t have accountability partners, I pray that you pick some who will help hold you accountable.

 

Try it; you might like it.

 

This week, as you look at your busy schedule, think about those who are holding you accountable.

 

Sometimes procrastination can get the best of us, myself included.

 

Although my running days are over, I still hold myself accountable for my weight and appearance.

 

Today, I challenge you to think about who’s holding you accountable when no one else is. Think about the last time you were held accountable for your actions or just doing something you said you would do?

 

We are all aware that life sometimes gets in the way, and sometimes we need to be like the Nike slogan and “Just do it!”

 

“Your life does not get better by chance; it gets better by change.”~ Jim Rohn

 

“The moment you take responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you can change anything in your life.” ~ Hal Elrod