One of the most difficult and challenging concepts we face in life is that of personal accountability. Ultimately it’s something that simply can’t be sidestepped or ignored.
Accountability has a direct link with choice; with the decisions we make – and we all make decisions big and small each and every day.
First comes choice, followed by responsibility and then comes accountability. Accountability is an acceptance of responsibility and an acknowledgement of choice. Most importantly it embraces justification of all that has preceded it. And that’s where the difficult lies.
We are who we are and what we are and where we are because of the choices we have made. That which surrounds us is a product of our own creation.
Accountability is seeing and accepting the path we have chosen and reaching a point where we are not only able to explain what has happened and what is happening to ourselves but being able to explain it to others.
Accountability and all that it involves can be tough but as tough as it is it’s vital. Until we accept and understand where we are we are unable to formulate a clear picture of where we want to be. If we can’t picture it; imagine it; desire it then there’s no way to effectively plan for the change necessary to get from here to there.
What has happened has happened and what is happening is largely the result of what has happened. It’s what is to happen that holds promise and excitement. The biggest thrill is that we can influence our future. It’s all a matter of choice.
The decisions about the things that really matter that we make in the next few minutes can have a profound impact on our future. It’s important not to make those decisions while we’re upset or distracted.
But then there’s always comfort to be found in the fact that every new day is a new opportunity.
Gary Bentley Counselling 