The Importance of Accountability
by Steph Beth Nickel
There are likely things we do without someone deliberately holding us accountable, tasks for which self-motivation is sufficient. But there could be others that keep getting put off until “tomorrow.” Your lists are almost certainly different than mine, but let’s talk about how accountability can keep us moving forward.
Here are some things that have been working for me:
Exercise
While I have a variety of dumbbells laid out where I can see them and aim to use them at least three times per week, I haven’t gotten into the habit of doing so. Most days, I do a bodyweight routine for my legs. But walking regularly? That only happens because a friend and I walk twice a month, and my hubby almost always invites me to join him when he’s going for a walk. Even though he has been retired for over a year, he still hits his 8000-step goal six days most weeks. Although I don’t have his stamina, I do say yes more often than I used to when he asks me to go for a walk.
YouVersion Bible Studies
Like many Christians, I have a “quiet time” each day, but the same friend I walk with and I have been doing YV studies online for quite some time now. Recently, my daughter has joined us. There are definitely benefits to studying on our own, but doing so with others can be an encouragement to them and to us. Plus, we can gain a new perspective when others share what they’re learning, things we may not have considered, things that didn’t stand out to us.
Writing
I began my YA novel a million years ago—or so it seems. When I committed to putting a chapter up on Substack each week, I was set for quite a while. I had written over 30 chapters. But guess what. I have now added all those chapters and must hunker down and write more. While I’ve only committed to adding a new chapter every other week, it keeps me at my computer. No more making excuses, saying, “I’ll get back to writing when I’ve completed this, that, or the other thing.” So, while the masses aren’t flocking to subscribe, those who have done so—especially those who Like the posts—unintentionally keep me accountable and motivated. Years ago, I wrote a poem called “Writing for the One,” meaning, if only one person was encouraged by what I wrote, that was enough reason for me to keep putting pen to paper and fingers to keyboard.
Will I keep exercising? That’s the plan. I want to stay as active as possible as long as possible. And I wouldn’t mind developing a little muscle tone as well.
Will I keep doing YouVersion studies? As long as Deb and Sarah would like to, I’m all in.
And writing? Will 2027 be the year I self-publish my novel and my Bible study / devotional on the book of John? Possibly. And if not, I will keep posting to Substack. I may even do a little more promo.
How has accountability kept you moving forward?
As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.
If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.
You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.
You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.