What Accountability Really Looks Like
This blog started as one of my walk and talk rambles—raw, real, and recorded in a moment where I just needed to get something out of my head and into the world. It wasn’t polished. It wasn’t planned. But it was honest.
And the topic? Accountability.
Not the “wake up at 5 a.m. and crush your goals” kind. The real-life kind—the kind that shows up messy, uncertain, vulnerable, and brave.
The truth is, accountability isn’t just about checking boxes or meeting deadlines. It’s about aligning your actions with your purpose. It’s about showing up for the things that matter, even when you’re scared, stuck, or overwhelmed. It’s about growth, not guilt. Progress, not perfection.
In fact, this moment—this post—is a piece of my own accountability. I’m committing to saying things out loud, owning where I’ve stumbled, and celebrating where I’ve moved forward (even if it didn’t look perfect on the outside).
So whether you’re someone who thrives on structure or someone who flies best under pressure (hi, that’s me), I hope this gives you permission to find what accountability looks like for you—and to trust that wherever you’re starting from is exactly where you’re meant to begin.
Why I’m Focusing on Accountability
Here’s the truth: I’m a last-minute crammer. A perfectionist. I get it done—but often at the expense of my peace. I say yes with good intentions and then scramble because I want it to be just right. Sound familiar?
This year, I’m trying to do things differently. I’m learning to be accountable to myself. Not just to deadlines, or clients, or everyone else’s expectations—but to what actually matters to me. That means setting realistic goals, showing up consistently, and giving myself some grace along the way.
Why Accountability Feels So Hard
For a long time, I thought my struggle was time management. But really? It was fear. Fear of failing. Fear of not being enough. Fear of letting someone down.
And here’s the kicker: I’m not lazy. You’re not lazy. Most of the time, when we don’t follow through, it’s not about willpower. It’s about fear, distraction, overwhelm—or just being human.
Accountability can feel heavy if it’s all about shame or perfection. But when it’s rooted in support, grace, and growth? That’s when it changes everything.
What Kind of Accountability Do You Need?
Not all accountability looks the same. The way we’re wired matters. Some of us love structure and checklists. Others need a person. A text. A prayer. A little nudge that says, “Hey, you’re not alone.”
Let me tell you about my first accountability partner—I met her in a women’s leadership group. Totally different backgrounds, goals,and personalities. But we met weekly on Zoom, checked in on one or two small steps, and gave each other grace. And you know what? We both accomplished something big that had been stuck on our hearts for a long time.
The key? Consistency. Support. And understanding what makes each of us tick.
If accountability hasn’t worked for you before, maybe it’s because the way you tried it didn’t match how you operate.
My Big Goals (and Real Talk About Missing the Mark)
Two big things on my list this year:
A TEDx Talk
Draft my first book
I found an amazing TEDx coach—someone I admire. And guess what? First assignment... I didn’t do it.
I felt awful. Embarrassed. Like I didn’t deserve her help. But when I really sat with it, I realized I’d said yes for her, not for me. I wasn’t ready. So I asked for another week. Gave myself space. And committed to one small step instead of the whole mountain.
Sometimes accountability looks like saying, “Not yet.” Sometimes it’s being honest enough to pause, adjust, and try again. That’s still forward movement.
Look—I didn’t meet my TEDx deadline. But I did take a step. I came up with a few topic ideas. I started believing my voice belonged in that space. And that is progress.
The point of accountability isn’t doing everything perfectly. It’s having the courage to keep showing up—even when it’s messy, even when you’re not sure how it’ll all work out.
As for writing my first book, I committed to deliver it before I wrote a word—because public deadlines light a fire in me. I’ve learned to embrace my last-minute style while also working to be more intentional, gentler with the process, and rooted in progress over perfection.
Three Things That Make Accountability Work
Here’s what I’ve learned through trial, error, and a lot of inner conversations with the different parts of myself (you know, the perfectionist, the procrastinator, the hopeful dreamer):
1. The Right Environment
Whether it’s a planner, a candle, a voice note on a walk, or a quiet moment in the car—your environment matters. If it doesn’t support your goal, everything feels harder. Sometimes it’s not even the space—it’s the season you’re in. Honor that. Don’t force growth in frozen ground.
2. The Right Mindset
Accountability isn’t punishment. It’s an invitation to be honest. To ask, What’s actually getting in the way? And What do I need to move forward, not perfectly—but purposefully?
3. The Right People
Your accountability partner doesn’t need to be your best friend. In fact, sometimes it’s better if they’re not. You need someone who will meet you where you are, reflect your potential, and challenge you—with grace. Someone who won’t let you hide, but also won’t shame you when you stumble.
Accountability with Purpose
Before you commit to any big goal, ask yourself:
Is this something I truly want right now?
What kind of support would actually help me stay with it?
Who can walk with me, without pushing me past where I need to be?
Maybe your goal is huge. Maybe it’s something quieter. Maybe it’s just getting through the week without beating yourself up. Whatever it is, you don’t have to do it alone.
Progress Over Perfection
So maybe this is your next step:
Pick one thing you want to be more intentional about.
Ask for support.
Show up.
Recommit as many times as you need to.
And please, don’t forget the grace part. It’s not just about getting things done. It’s about becoming someone who keeps showing up for what matters most.
Because when you walk with purpose, in a mindset of growth, with people who get it—you don’t just get things done. You grow into who you’re becoming.
That’s the real goal. That’s the Bright Direction.
Like this story? You’re not alone—and there’s more where that came from.
If this resonated with you, you’ll love my book,6 Steps In The Bright Direction: Your Roadmap to Resilience, Revenue, and Results. It’s filled with honest stories, practical strategies, and encouragement to help you keep showing up—even when life gets messy.
Grab your copy on Amazon and start moving forward—one bright step at a time.
And hey, don’t miss what’s next.
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