Creativity is inherent in humanity, innovation and striving for growth are woven into the fabric of civilization. And the one thing that runs consistent in all of it, is accountability.
I chose to be sober just over a year ago. I also quit smoking, I changed my diet to plant-based and I made some significant changes in general (i’m kinda mental like that, i’m an all in kinda person).
I've had numerous discussions with people over this time, who feel that drinking doesn't serve them anymore for instance, or people who struggle to commit to things that they know are good for them. And the thing that is always missing is accountability, which actually comes from a lack of confidence or fear of actually achieving the thing you set out to do. Some of it can also come from a fear of judgment, that societal thing where people instantly assume you have a drinking problem if you don't drink, or even worse call you "boring" for not doing it.
'I find it weird how alcohol is the only drug you seem to have to justify not taking'
The point I'm making here doesn't directly relate to just quitting the booze though or making healthier choices, it applies to absolutely everything in our lives. Starting that business you've been dreaming about or taking a trip, choosing to join a gym or do a martial art, taking up a new hobby, anything. If we approached things with our own best interests in mind and held ourselves accountable to the highest and brightest version of ourselves we can imagine, stopping the toxic habits or procrastination should, in theory, melt away easily. Affirming to yourself that you have a responsibility to yourself to do a certain thing could place some positive accountability on our lives and have hugely successful outcomes.
These days I simply say, I don't drink. I enjoy being sober. Alcohol isn't a treat, a savior, or a painkiller, I don't WANT to waste a day or two feeling rough. I deserve to max out my opportunities at happiness, which I can't do if I'm in a pit of alcohol-related anxiety.
The picture I've posted here was taken on a weekend away with friends camping. Back when I was a drinker, I'd have had every intention of being creative in some way but would have probably got drawn into the beers and not bothered, then regretting it. Now I have a piece of art I've created and love, a memory to cherish and I know deep in my soul i'm at my happiest when I am creating. That is accountability to my best self, in action.
We can also do our friends and family huge favors if we're honest with them, by supporting their healthy choices. Instead of ridiculing your friend and trying to convince them to have a beer instead of being "boring", back them up in their decision. If your partner wants to get fit, remind them of how good they feel after a workout when they're having a down day. When someone is so passionate about building their business they go insular for a while and don't come out, share their stuff and help them succeed in any way you can.
If we all place some accountability into our own lives and respectfully hold others accountable when they are struggling to do it for themselves we rise together in such a beautiful and collaborative way.
Remember, we are all deserving of being our best selves. If we aim for that, we are automatically better partners, parents, friends and colleagues. Our work is to a much higher standard and is more enjoyable, our projects become more exciting and fulfilling and our lives become much more colourful and abundant. And it's as simple as laughing at our own excuses and changing them into actions, one day at a time.
I apply all these principles to my work. It takes courage to make changes and step out of your comfort zones, but this is why I don't niche in my sectors and stay in a box. It takes courage to be accountable, which is why I will absolutely strive to achieve an agreed objective, and why if I set myself a challenge, it's getting achieved no matter what. Of course, duality takes hold at times, and procrastination (which is really just fear anyway) sets in occasionally, so I send gratitude to all those people around me who inspire and support me to continue being my best self. We are better together, and we all need a little help sometimes. Be your own friend, be a good friend to others, look after your child inside and show up for your best self every day, because you absolutely deserve it.
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