The benefits of putting emphasis on self-accountability

Ivan Nyagatare
3 min readApr 25, 2023
Photo by Ed Stone on Unsplash

Being responsible for one’s own actions is fundamental to maturing as a person. Being accountable for one’s actions, choices, and behaviours means owning up to the results of those choices and actions.

Self-accountability calls for introspection and candour, as well as the humility to admit fault and make amends.

Self-accountability helps people improve their lives because it encourages them to stop blaming others and start taking responsibility for their own actions.

“Most people do not really want freedom, because freedom involves responsibility, and most people are frightened of responsibility.”
— Sigmund Freud

People are less inclined to feel like victims of circumstance or to blame others when they take responsibility for their own actions. Instead, they are more likely to accept responsibility for their circumstances and actively seek solutions. Having this feeling of mastery over one’s own life can be a tremendous confidence booster.

Self-accountability can also improve relationships by making people feel like they can trust you. Taking responsibility for one’s conduct is a hallmark of a person who values honesty and integrity.

This has the potential to improve your connections with others, both professionally and personally. Conversely, people who constantly shift responsibility or offer justifications for their actions may come across as untrustworthy.

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”
— Dietrich Bonhoeffer

More benefits of Self-accountability

Improved productivity: When people take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of their efforts, they are more likely to follow through on their pledges and finish work on schedule. The upshot of this is that both individual and organisational outputs may improve as a result.

Greater self-awareness: Individuals who practise self-accountability think critically about their choices and the results of their choices. Knowing one’s own strengths and shortcomings, as well as where one may stand to grow, is a byproduct of this.

Problem-solving skills: When people take responsibility for their own activities, they are more likely to handle problems in a proactive manner. They will be more likely to recognise issues, deal with them before they worsen, and take corrective action.

Improved relationships: Self-accountability facilitates the development of healthier interpersonal connections. People are more likely to communicate well and find positive solutions to issues when they accept ownership of their actions and decisions.

Increased self-confidence: When people are responsible for their acts and the results, they gain a sense of mastery over their own life. As a result, people may develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities to affect positive change in their lives.

Greater resilience: Individuals who are able to take responsibility for their actions are better able to overcome challenges. When people accept responsibility for their actions and outcomes, they are more likely to recover quickly from failures and develop effective solutions to problems.

"You are the reason of your own good-luck and bad-luck; success and failure; happiness and pain. Your choices are responsible for your present. Don't blame someone else for your sufferings or failures."
― Sanjeev Himachali

Having the ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial not only for our own happiness and success but also for the success of the relationships we cultivate. Resilience permits us to overcome difficulties in our relationships and keep in touch with those we care about.

Being resilient also makes it easier to understand and comfort those going through tough times.

Our relationships can be strengthened and enriched if we cultivate compassion and understanding by strengthening our resilience.

“The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely to be the one who dropped it.” — Lou Holtz

Individuals who practise self-accountability are more likely to reflect on their actions and adjust their behaviour accordingly.

It is more probable that people will learn from their mistakes and make better decisions if they take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences that ensue. The results of this can be seen in better interpersonal connections and professional advancement.

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Ivan Nyagatare
Ivan Nyagatare

Written by Ivan Nyagatare

I am a writer, educator, creator and entrepreneur. Focused on creating tech tools, content, books and courses to help you develop better perspectives.

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