Lack of accountability is something that a lot of people suffer from. However, individuals who have a tendency to procrastinate take this to an entirely different level. The more that one is able to put off doing, the less they are able to be accountable to anyone else. It becomes a vicious cycle for many; one that takes them down the road of failure.

Accountability, when used properly, can be a wonderful tool for attaining success. More often than not, this is to an another person rather than oneself. Either way, it is very helpful in getting one to take the action necessary for advancement. The key is to be able to have the same accountability to oneself as one has to another individual.

It is rare to find someone who enjoys being dishonest. Nor do most people relish letting others down. Most often, people have every intention of doing something when they agree to it. I am certain that you fall into this category. However, there are times that we just cannot seem to get ourselves to take the action required. It is like there was a wall erect within us that prevents us from getting to it. These are the times that accountability can be helpful.

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to get yourself moving when you know that someone is going to be “checking up” on you? This is especially true if that person is someone in a position of authority. If we know that there will be adverse consequences by not completing something, we are more apt to act than if they do not exist. The motivation is miraculously provided. We anticipate more pain in the future by having to face that person without having done the job. Whatever discomfort we project is involved with taking action is overridden by this other pain. This is where accountability is an asset.

Action is taken basically for two reason: either because of the pleasure received by taking it or to avoid the pain associated with the consequences of inactivity. When we are accountable to another, we are still motivated by these two factors. Perhaps we want to experience the pleasure that comes from helping another out. Or maybe we like the idea of making another happy. From a pain perspective, it is possible that we do not want to disappoint the person. Regardless of the motivating factor, the result is that the accountability we have towards the other person makes it easier for us to take action.

Unfortunately for the people who are able to take action under this condition, there are many circumstances in life where we are not accountable to another. Yet, we are accountable to ourselves. It is important to note that a person most likely will let themselves down easier than they will let down another person. When we are dealing with another person, there is a degree of uncertainty as to how they will respond. This promotes a level of fear within us and that has a hand in being our motivator. However, this is not the case when we are dealing with ourselves. We know exactly how we will respond if the action is not completed. In most instances, we will create a variety of reasons to justify our behavior. This will reduce the pressure that might exist if we held ourselves to a higher standard.

There is an old saying “To thy own self be true”. Naturally, this has many meanings depending upon the context it is applied to. However, if we want to be successful in all that we do, we must hold the agreements that we make with ourselves ironclad. The tendency to “let ourselves off the hook” is what establishes the habit which leads us to failure. Find a highly successful person and you will see that they have the ability to take action because of the internal motivation. External factors may come into play, yet it is the internal agreements that create the upward movement.

Honor the commitment you make with yourself as much as you do sworn testimony in a courtroom. It will become the driving force behind all that you accomplish.