Isn't Accountability Motivating?

Why is it so much easier to stick with a fitness routine if you have a workout partner? Where do we get the fortitude to stay up all night finishing a paper right before a deadline? Why is it scarier to publicly commit to doing some difficult thing than it is to commit to it privately? The answers to these questions help us understand the power of accountability.

Accountability is a sense of responsibility to someone or for some activity. I felt accountable as a missionary for the time and opportunities I was allotted during my two-year service. I knew I would some day stand before God and accept full responsibility for what I did with what He'd given me. I also felt accountable to my mission leaders who received a report of my activity every week. The sense of accountability helped me always do my best.

I've noticed the power of accountability again in school, particularly in the deadlines and grading inherent with every course. There's a cost for poor performance so the motivation to perform increases. It's one of the most important facets of education.

I've studied and employed goal-setting ideas for over 6 years now with varied success. With a deepening understanding of the principle of accountability, I've recently recognized how often I'd left out some means of holding myself accountable to another person in past attempts at self-improvement. For my current goals, I've added a way to involve others in holding me accountable and it's given me a greater sense of responsibility. The power of accountability is once again proving true and powerful for me.