The Empowering Truth About Accountability: How to Take Control of Your Life

The last time you had a fight with someone, did you stop and ask yourself, What was my role in this?

The last time something didn’t go to plan at work, did you ask, What could I have done better?

When you didn’t get the result you wanted, whether it was in your business, at the gym, or in a relationship, did you honestly assess the effort you put in?

And when things did go well, when you got promoted, hit a personal best, received amazing feedback, did you take a moment to own it? Did you truly acknowledge your progress?

Or did you chalk it up to luck, timing, or someone else’s actions?

This is where accountability starts. And it’s the not-so-secret foundation of how to take control of your life.

What Does It Really Mean to Be Accountable?

At its core, accountability means taking responsibility. For all of it. The good, the bad, the in-between. It’s looking around at your life and recognising: This is mine. I created this.

But let’s go deeper.

Being accountable means recognising that the only thing you actually control is yourself. Your thoughts. Your actions Your reactions. You can influence others, but you can’t control them. Same goes for circumstances.

You can tell your partner what you want in a relationship. But you can't make them meet your needs.

You can talk to your boss about what you need to do to get promoted. But you can’t force them to promote you.

What is on you?

• Making a plan and following it.

• Speaking up for yourself.

• Leaving situations that don’t serve you.

• Reading the book.

• Completing the course.

• Showing up to the gym.

• Shutting your laptop at 10pm so you can get the sleep you need.

These are all ways to take control of your life through intentional action.

And when you slip up, as we all do, it’s about reflecting. Not berating yourself, but asking: How can I do this better next time?

That’s the next level of accountability.

It turns small wins into consistent progress. Then you’re not just reacting to life, you’re actively shaping it.

Why Accountability Is the Key to Taking Control of Your Life

Here’s the truth: Taking accountability is radically empowering.

Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, it means facing some hard truths. But it also means stepping into your power.

Because once you realise you’re in charge, you can change anything.

This is exactly why I quit my job. I was miserable, sick with anxiety on my commute, working for someone who’d moral code did NOT align with mine. I didn’t have a backup plan, but I knew this: I could no longer hand over my peace, my values, or my wellbeing just to keep a steady paycheck.

So I took control of my life. And everything changed. For starters I got a better job. I was happier, lighter, nicer to be around. My relationships improved. Positive snowball in motion.

That’s the beauty of accountability, it helps you raise your standards. For yourself and others.

You start asking:

• Does this support who I want to be?

• Am I proud of how I showed up today?

• Is this relationship/job/habit aligned with my values?

You stop tolerating half-hearted effort, toxic dynamics, or playing small.

You stop handing over your power.

You start choosing your life, every single day.

Practical Ways to Take Control of Your Life

So how do you actually build this accountability muscle?

Start small and simple. Start today:

Reflect on one area of your life that isn’t quite where you want it to be. Ask yourself honestly: What’s my role in this? What choices have I made that led here?

Make a plan to shift your energy. Pick one action that supports the version of you who takes full responsibility. It could be as small as setting a boundary, making a phone call, or going for a walk instead of scrolling.

Celebrate your wins. Even the tiny ones. Acknowledge your effort. That’s how we build internal trust and motivation. Make this a daily practice to reinforce what you’re doing.

Ready to Own Your Life?

This is a lifelong journey. No one is perfectly accountable all the time (least of all me). But every time you choose reflection over excuses, you move one step closer to the life you actually want.

And if you want some support? I’d love to help you take control of your life and create something you’re deeply proud of.

(Hiring a coach to keep you accountable to becoming accountable is not a cop out. It’s recognising where you are currently at and doing what is needed to get to where you want to be. It’s the ultimate accountability.)

Take a look at AIM Coaching.