- Dr. Andrew St. Bernard

Ask anyone who’s ever achieved anything remarkable, and they’ll tell you having someone to be accountable to was pivotal in their success. But just how important is it? I can recall a time earlier in my studies when I asked how it seemed that there were so many doctors who had such a strong moral compass. Now I understand that not all doctors act in a morally correct manner, but my experience had taught me that the doctors with whom I had a patient relationship always seemed to do the right thing, even if it appeared than they could get away with breaking the rules to their own personal benefit. Did it have to do with their intellect? Was it just a coincidence that these doctors happen to also be of morally sound mind? I would discover the answer later on in my studies.

You see, it was never about how knowledgeable a doctor was, or how gifted they happened to be. The resounding reason why I had compassionate doctors as my mentors whose moral compass was strong in its resolve was because they are held accountable. Doctors are held to a higher standard than the general public because of what they know, and it’s that level of accountability that is required to bring out the best in people.

So how does this relate to the average person? The same principles apply. For most people, the possible humiliation and embarrassment that can occur with public knowledge of a person’s failure is enough of a motivator to do everything necessary to be a success. Do you have a goal to lose weight? Tell someone you care about what your goal is and have them check in with you on your progress. Want to hit that next milestone at work? Make that goal known to your other co-workers. It is amazing what you will achieve when you are held accountable. This life wasn’t meant to live alone. Find someone to be accountability partners today, and see your success unfold!