Ladies, let’s get real for a moment.
Personal accountability—yes, that thing we all know about but often push aside. I’m talking to you, fabulous women over 40 who is juggling careers, kids, marriages, and everything else. At some point, we need to look in the mirror and admit that our lack of action is on us.
You can’t expect everyone around you to magically conform to your needs and desires and then get upset when they don’t. It’s like buying those online courses and never taking them. Your business won’t change just because you spent money.
Nope. You’ve got to invest your time, put in the work, and hold yourself accountable for the results. You need actually to do the things you signed up to do. Motivation and encouragement can only take you so far.
At the end of the day, it’s your consistency and dedication that will make the real difference.
3 Ways to Build Personal Accountability for Women Over 40 Who Put Themselves Last
1. Are You Setting Clear Goals and Tracking Your Progress?
The first step to personal accountability is setting clear, achievable goals. Know what you want to accomplish and break it down into manageable steps. Use tools like planners, apps, or journals to track your progress. This keeps you organized and provides a visual representation of your achievements, keeping you motivated and focused.
Action Tip: Start each week by listing your top three goals. Break these down into daily tasks and review your progress at the end of each day.
2. Do You Have a Routine that You Can Stick to?
Consistency is key to achieving any goal. Establish a daily routine that incorporates your tasks and stick to it. This doesn’t mean every day has to be identical, but having a framework helps ensure you dedicate time to what matters most. Whether allocating specific hours for work, exercise, or self-care, a routine helps manage time effectively.
Action Tip: Design a daily schedule that includes time blocks for your key activities. Adjust as needed but aim to maintain a consistent structure.
3. Have You Found Accountability Partners?
Sometimes, having someone else hold you accountable can be incredibly effective. Find a friend, colleague, or mentor who understands your goals and can help keep you on track. Regular weekly or monthly check-ins can provide the encouragement and accountability you need to stay committed.
Action Tip: Partner with a friend or join a group where you can share your goals and progress. Set up regular meetings to discuss your achievements and challenges.
So, here’s a little nudge (or maybe a playful shove): Take action! Prioritize your desires, be consistent, and watch how your life begins to change. It’s all in your hands, darling. You’ve got this!
How do you hold yourself accountable?
I tend to set goals that align with the vision I have for my life and how I want to feel in it, and then I implement the changes in stages.
Currently, my job has just returned to work in the office after being remote since Covid 👎🏾 and one thing I NEED for my mental health in order to prepare myself for the day is to be able to have a slow morning. When I was WFH, it was much easier because I didn't have to worry about getting dressed dressed, making lunch, commuting, etc., but now that I'm back in the office in order to have my slow morning, I have to wake up earlier. My goal is to wake up at 6 am and start my morning ritual, but first, I need to get acclimated to even waking up at this time. So, I've set my alarm for 6 am and give myself the grace to lay around for another 15-20 minutes before getting up for real. This small action allows me to get accustomed to waking up at this time, and I know, over time, that I will eventually get right up and out of bed when the alarm goes off. But for the time being, I'm easing myself into it and it feels good to allow myself the grace to do so.