7 Statements Accountable People Make

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7 Statements Accountable People Make

Our son and his wife moved into a new home. For three months, they tolerated high-energy neighbor dogs left outside all day that never stopped barking.

Never.

I know because I've visited there many times! The incessant noise was a real problem. Yet when they talked to the owner, the woman asserted, “Our dogs bark because the people who lived in your house were mean to them. At least they don’t bite."

Wow.

Two human traps are justification and rationalization — and each is the antithesis of Personal Accountability. When we justify and rationalize, we sound like this:

• “Yes, I did say that, but did you hear what she said first?”
• “I’m not perfect, but at least I don’t <fill-in-the-blank>.”
• “I’d help people more if I got more help from others."
• "When I haven't eaten, I get grumpy with everyone around me."
• "I don't 'fight fair' with my wife because she never does."

Justifying and rationalizing our actions are two very human problems.

7 Statements Accountable People Make

When I choose to eliminate justification and rationalization from my life — when I truly become accountable — statements like these flow from me readily and easily:

1. I did it.

2. I was wrong.

3. It’s my fault.

4. I shouldn’t have said that.

5. I shouldn’t have done that.

6. I'm sorry.

7. I will change today.

These statements don’t end with “but” or “however.” They're clear, concise, and spoken confidently by people who embrace Personal Accountability. People who have decided to no longer justify and rationalize.

Are you there yet? Which of our 7 statements do you need to use more often? Should you say it ... today? 😉

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