Skin in the Game: The Power of Accountability

I can’t believe you’re reading this.

I’ve been accused of using clickbait titles before, but this article is about accountability, and there’s nothing sexy about that.

Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe that’s why we ignore accountability and the huge blessing it is in our lives. I don’t think most people understand the power of true accountability. I know I didn’t understand until I stumbled into it almost two years ago.

I’m an alcoholic in recovery, but my specific challenge isn’t important, really. My alcoholism might be your eating disorder or your self-esteem issues or your narcissism (yes, there’s hope for narcissists, too). Your “ism” or your trauma isn’t the point. What you do about it-that’s what this is all about.

I run a program for people in early sobriety. I’m supposed to be teaching them survival techniques, but being involved with so many people who are walking the treacherous path I once walked has taught me far more than I ever expected.

What I’ve learned is that my curriculum works really well for some people, but I’ve also learned that it is not a good fit for others. I have come to the conclusion that the specific work you do to cure that which ails you is not as important as doing the work selflessly.