One of the frustrations I have working with people in therapy is the lack of accountability of people who purport to want to change a particular habit or behavior and supposedly commit to it. Yet, they don’t “walk their talk”. They are not accountable! You know what? That doesn’t work.

Let me focus on three areas that are typical change topics in most everyone’s everyday life – weight control, spending, and time management. What are the accountability opportunities/challenges here? Answers: the scale, bank statement, and calendar. Let me be more specific.

If you want to lose weight, you start with awareness that you have a few pounds to lose. You then develop a plan to do so such as a diet plan, which includes portion control, writing down what you eat, and exercise. And, you put yourself on the scale periodically to see if your plan is being successful. The scale is your accountability instrument. The scales don’t lie!

If you are spending too much, you realize that there needs to be some cutbacks. So you develop a plan that usually involves developing a prioritized budget based on income and necessary expenses and other strategic moves necessary to get your finances in order. And how are you accountable? Your bank statement (along with credit card statement). They don’t lie!

If your time management is out of kilter, you are spending too much time doing low priority items. A reassessment needs to take place. First, what are your priorities? (Suggestion, in this order: health, marriage partner, children if still at home, career, exercise, social). And your accountability instrument is? The calendar can tell you what you do, with whom, where, and when. The calendar doesn’t lie!

Needless to say the accountability model is pertinent and necessary for any behavior change whether it be a relationship factor or an area of self improvement. Good intentions, cheap talk, and poor performance are not attractive or convincing that your words can be trusted. As the famous Nike ad proclaimed, “Just Do It!”

Can you look in the mirror and say, “I am an accountable person”? If so, congrats. You have earned self respect and that of others. If you cannot say that honestly, please work on being more accountable in areas that need to be improved. Life is about trust!

“The unexamined life is not worth living” Socrates

Dr. Stathas can be reached at 706-473-1780. Email: Stathas@plantationcable.net. Web site: drstathas.googlepages.com. His blog: drstathas.com.