Embracing Accountability

Navigating The Internal Resistance.

Old bean, have you ever found yourself under the weighty thumb of societal expectations? By Jove, it’s a regular jamboree out there! There’s this constant humdrum about toeing the line, conforming to this mold, and heaven forbid if you stray from the path – it’s like facing a firing squad of personal attacks! Before you know it, you’re chopping and changing yourself to fit into some fusty old image crafted by someone else!

But here’s the rub: we’re all lauded for our focus, dedication, discipline, and that good old willpower, aren’t we? It’s like being handed a medal just for keeping the stiff upper lip! Yet, the more we flex those muscles, the more brittle we become. You can’t lift much when you’re as rigid as an ironing board!

Now, old chum, Benjamin Hardy, in his tome “Willpower Doesn’t Work,” posits a rather spiffing notion – it’s all about the environment, what! He calls it epigenesis, a bit of a mouthful, but the gist is, our success is all down to the environment we find ourselves in. But before we dive into epigenesis, let’s have a natter about a viable environment. There are a few triggers that really get our engines revving:

1. A jolly good challenge, old sport!
2. Something novel to tickle the old grey matter.
3. The fear of a calamitous cock-up.
4. Social pressures that would make even Aunt Agatha blush.
5. And last but not least, a hefty investment of time and effort.

Now, old bean, Hardy calls this “eustress” – the good kind of stress, mind you! It’s like stretching out of your comfort zone just a smidge. And the trick to sticking to your guns? Surround yourself with chaps who are all on the same mission! It’s like a jolly old support system, keeping you on the straight and narrow.

But here’s where it gets a bit hairy. When someone starts prodding you to do something, and you dig in your heels like a stubborn mule, it’s that pesky limbic brain kicking up a fuss! As old Bertie Wooster would say, “Dash it all, it’s like trying to herd cats!”

Now, when it comes to privacy and accountability, we’re all a bit like old Aunt Dahlia – demanding privacy for ourselves and accountability for everyone else! But here’s the rub: if you’re relying on someone or something else for your happiness or success, chances are you’re not exactly batting a thousand in the happiness or success department, what!

But let’s not get all in a tizzy about it. I mean, look at me! Stumbling about like a tipsy gander on the way home – it’s not the smoothest ride, but I’m giving it a fair shake, what! And if I lose my way, well, lend a hand, old bean, don’t kick a chap when he’s down!

The trick, you see, is to create an environment that’s as keen on your goals as you are. Accountability, my dear fellow, that’s the ticket! It’s like wrapping yourself up in a snug blanket, keeping you from wriggling out of your commitments!

So, let’s break it down, shall we? You’ve got your mentor, your trusty guide who sets the standard and gives you a good kick in the pants when you need it. Then there’s your buddy, the chap who’s got your back, though you’ve got to watch out for those who might drag you down like a lead balloon. And don’t forget your team, those fine chaps who share your aims and lend a hand when the going gets tough. And last but not least, there’s the public declaration – putting your reputation on the line for all to see!

So there you have it, old sport. Willpower can only take you so far. But with a bit of accountability to your mentor, buddy, team, or the public, you’ll be on the straight and narrow faster than you can say “what ho!”