Accountability

[hgsingh]

t’s become a fascinating trend that I’ve seen over and over, after training and coaching thousands of entrepreneurs, business owners and investors.

But this doesn’t just apply to those who have businesses – it actually holds true for the entire population, regardless of occupation or whether they’re self-employed or not.

Those who take responsibility for their outcomes do exponentially better.

They make a LOT more money, they have less anxiety and frustration, and they create massive momentum.

They enjoy their business a lot more, and seem to have less problems in their relationships with customers, employees, contractors and other key people.

But here’s the challenge ..

.. most people are unwilling to be accountable for their results.

One of the core issues in today’s world is that the vast majority of people avoid taking responsibility for their own outcomes.  The attitude of entitlement is alive and well, and unfortunately keeps most people wallowing in failure and a lack of results.

I’ve noticed the “entitlement mentality” becoming even more obvious around the world.  It’s a sickness – a disease that threatens the future of abundance and productivity.

Look at the rioting in areas of Europe – at the core, it’s an entitlement mentality that says “I don’t want to pay more taxes – I want to keep getting services, and maintain a low productivity, and I’m not willing to play a role in the solution”.

Of course, the government’s had a role to play in where things are, but the ONLY solution is to increase taxes and cut services.  And people react as though it’s some kind of right they have to get something for nothing.

Frankly, it’s sickening to me, and why I’m so grateful that I am the captain of my own ship, and do not rely on anyone to feed or employ me.

Unions are another problematic disease in the business world.  Years ago, the union was necessary to protect the worker from being exploited and taken advantage of, yet in today’s world, the role of the union is archaic.

The very base of union thinking is entitlement mentality.  I should be paid more simply because I’ve been here longer than you.  Who cares about productivity, contribution or anything else – I put in more time, and I deserve more money because of it.

Unions are creating a terrible drag on the economy, and it’s no surprise that many of the industries dominated by unions are also bankrupt - airlines and car manufacturers being just a couple of them.

I know some people will disagree with me, but the edges of our social fabric are being frayed right now by this poisonous thinking.

 

It’s Easier To Be a Victim

Than Be Accountable

Accountability is the simple act of being responsible for whatever happens to you — good or bad.  The challenge is that most people would rather choose NOT to accountable, and instead place blame, justify and rationalize why they’re not getting what they want in life.

Quite frankly, it’s easier to wander through life and not take responsibility for what happens to you. 

It’s the economy.  It’s my spouse.  It’s the weather.  It’s the politicians. 

This is the position most people take, including many entrepreneurs.  In today’s world, it’s pretty easy to blame the “bad economy” for a lot of the problems business owners are facing.

And yes, the economy is certainly a variable that has an affect.

But the moment you start allowing “the economy” to be the reason for your business not growing or struggling, you’re on the path to failure.

And the reason is that once you accept that the cause is external to you, control of your destiny is now out of your hands.

And that’s another way of saying victim.

Because you’re accountable, or a victim.  You can’t be both.

I’ve never met a successful entrepreneur who’s a victim.  They claim responsibility for what happens to them at every level.

In today’s economy, I have the fortune of coaching several entrepreneurs and business owners who are growing like crazy.  Thriving, in a “bad economy”.

Our own business just came out of one of the best months we’ve had in years, and we continue to grow very quickly.  We’ve brought on several more people to the team, while most business owners are struggling.

This isn’t because we’re any smarter or better — it’s because we are willing to take responsibility for our outcomes.  That forces us to make different decisions.  It allows us to impact what happens in our business.

Like most entrepreneurs, we’ve had to adjust our business model, and change what we are doing.  It’s not easy.  It’s a hassle.  It’s a pain in the <banned word filter activated>, and takes work.

And it’s working.  Really well.

What’s the alternative?

Blaming the economy?

Let me know how that works out for you.

 

How To Become Accountable

For Your Outcomes

If you’re sold on the idea that you MUST take responsibility for the results you get, the next question should be, “what’s the best way to do this?”

In my experience, most people struggle to hold themselves accountable.  They want to be accountable, but it’s very difficult to be your own guardian.

The other major problem is that most people don’t get clear on what results they’re actually trying to achieve to begin with — and therefore never really know if they’ve achieved the results they’re after.

So here are the 2 critical elements you need to ensure you remain accountable:

Set Clear Goals And a Vision of Exactly What You Intend To Achieve

Have An External System To Hold You Accountable To Those Outcomes

It’s simply a matter of being VERY clear what you intend to create, and then don’t just try to hold yourself accountable.

Find a good system that gives you the outside accountability you need.  That can include a mastermind group that you have to report to, or could even be as simple as an “accountability partner” that you commit to, and follow up with.

There are also great programs that will hold you accountable to the goals you set, like the 100 Day Challenge.  There are a bunch of goal setting and accountability tools there, along with a cool program that helps you remain on track for 100 days of accountability.

Whatever the case, you MUST have external help to remain accountable.

Make this one commitment – that you are going to be 100% accountable for your outcomes – and watch your business, and your life, transform.

Please let me know what you think below, as I’d love to hear your comments!

[ks55]

very true - we should be accountbale and responsible for our actions at all times. what about when you have set clear goals

and plans - and it still all goes belly up what do you do then sir?

and your other plan b - goes bell up too then what do you do sir?

[hgsingh]

I did not write that article I just found it as a powerfull article

And read bill bartmann story the biggest underdog and he contributes his success to accountability

Lance armstrong he didn't let cancer take control and look what he did