Accountability Hacks

The most salient component of accountability, the idea that we are responsible for our actions, is central to a long-standing debate among philosophers and psychologists: that of determinism versus free will. Determinism suggests that people act based on cause-and-effect relationships and therefore could not have acted any differently than what they actually did, whereas theories of free will suggest that people act of their own volition.

Proponents of free will admit that genetics and environment influence decisions; nevertheless, decisions ultimately depend on individual choice. Determinism does not give people the power of choice and therefore denies accountability. Supporters of free will, however, hold people accountable for their behavior and that people ultimately have some choice in what they do.

As a registered nurse of over 26 years, with over 15 years in the intensive care unit, I have seen how determinism affects the health education of Black and Brown individuals. History has shown that this mindset has been instigated in the early days of colonization and slavery in this country, where there was no free will. This has disproportionately affected us to this day, increasing the health inequity in this country. Emancipation ushered in free-will, kind of.

In 2014, the findings of a pilot study at five health professional schools was released. The evaluation framework pilot study demonstrated how social accountability can be assessed through a critically reflective and comprehensive process. As social accountability focuses on the relationship between health professions, schools and health system and health population outcomes, each school was able to demonstrate to students, health professionals, governments, accrediting bodies, communities and other stakeholders how current and future health care needs of populations are addressed in terms of education, research, and service learning.

Knowing our history and all the hospital wide corporate trainings on diversity and inclusion, it is time for us to incorporate free will and personal accountability in the education of our patients and communities.

One of the things that I am an advocate of is continued growth and developement. When I come across life hacks I am excited to try, revamp and share them.

Merriam-Webster dictionary states the following definition for the word ‘accountability.’ Accountability: the quality or state of being accountable; especially: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. My colloquial term for this is “adulting”. Accountability was taught in some homes early by receiving an allowance for completing chores or tasks. As an adult I realized that the lesson could have been honed greatly if the importance of personal accountability was encouraged by more than just reducing it to monetary gain.

The question that I pose to myself and, you the reader, is WHY is being accountable, specifically personal accountability so important? For me, I want to achieve my personal goals and live the life of my dreams. Honestly, doesn’t EVERYONE? We are already in The second month of 2023, but it’s never too late to plan, initiate, progress and achieve our goals and dreams. This is not possible without personal accountability. Here are some accountability hacks to keep you on track.

Prioritize time blocking.
Keeping a schedule and blocking out time for your most important tasks of the day is crucial. The most important thing to schedule is you’re self care routine. This is not something that has to be long or exhausting, but it is something that will definitely enable you to get through your day with more ease. For instance, establishing a morning routine. For me that includes meditation and prayer. After that I laser focus on what’s my priority tasks and block out time to start or complete them. Keeping a calendar is essential. I also schedule in gym time, yoga, leisure time and meal prepping. I even set my alarm every 30-60 minutes as an audible reminder to drink water.
Utilize Visual Stimulation
Everybody dreams or day dreams. Technology has enhanced that with the invention of movies, television, computers and smartphones. TV watching and scrolling social media has become paramount in most people’s lives. You’re probably wondering what does that have to do with accountability? A lot. Having a vision board, and looking at it daily, can keep your dreams and goals in front of your face and your conscious mind. This visual stimulation is a powerful aid to assist you to stay on track to achieve your goals and dreams. What’s on your vision board? Do you have one?

Get A Coach
Having a coach is an awesome support system to keep you accountable. Not only do they keep you accountable, but they assist you in streamlining and clarifying your goals. If finances at the moment is an issue, enlist an accountability partner or partners. You can set up times to go over your goals. This is another accountability tool that is affordable and very accessible. I have personal cheerleaders which I call “my tribe”. Celebrating your wins is very important and it definitely keeps you accountable.

Be Intentional
Another important tool in your arsenal to stay accountable is to protect your time. Keeping a calendar is wonderful, but it is only effective if you utilize it. What I find helpful is getting up early in the morning while the house is still quiet. That is when I get my best work done. Another thing that is helpful is setting your phone to quiet when you have priority tasks that need to be completed.

Create an environment of accountability
What does an environment of accountability look like? It depends on your personality style and what helps you stay focused. For me, I get my best work done in my office, but I work better in a serene environment when I’m creating. This is actually in stark contrast from my work environment which is very unpredictable and chaotic. I light candles. I have my vision board around me. I listen to affirmations. That kind of environment helps to remind me of my WHY.
Doing regular self-check-ins is VERY important. I schedule weekly, quarterly and yearly goals. The weekly and quarterly check-ins aid me in staying accountable to my yearly goals. This is also a time to look at your plans and be prepared to pivot if your current actions are not leading you toward your goals. It’s easier to course correct in the early stages than at the end.

I would love to hear your thoughts and questions about accountability. How do you manage your time? What tools do you utilize to stay accountable to enhance your health and life? I would love to continue this conversation. You can send your comments and questions to @colorofwellnessmag, @asknursesherrie on Instagram and Facebook.

References:
1- The training for health equity network evaluation framework: a pilot study at five health professional schools
Simone J Ross, Robyn Preston, Irish C. Lindemann, Marie C. Matte, Rex Samson, Fieldstone D. Tandinco Sarah L. Larkin, Bjorn Palsdottir, Andre-Jacques Neusy
PMID: 25420971 DOI: 10.4103/1357-6283.143727

2- Accounting for the effects of accountability. Psychological Bulletin, 125, 255-275
Lerner, J.S., and Tetlock, P. E. (1999)

My Jam: Man in the Mirror by the incomparable Michael Jackson

Book resource: “The 12 Week Year” by Brian Moran

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