Accountability is a fascinating concept. For some, it’s about external motivators—rules, religion, or relationships. For others, like me, it’s deeply personal. It’s about integrity, consistency, and keeping promises—not just to others, but to yourself.

This blog is both a reflection on how accountability operates in my life and a look at what experts have to say about it. Let’s begin with the research before I dive into my personal perspective.

Part 1: Accountability According to Experts

Accountability is often described as the glue between intention and action. Experts have broken it down into practical strategies. Here are a few:

Write It Down

Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor, discovered that writing down goals increases your chances of achieving them by 42%. Putting pen to paper solidifies ideas into actionable commitments.

• Takeaway: Use tools like journals, planners, or even sticky notes to make goals visible and real.

Make It Public

Dr. Robert Cialdini, in Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, explains that public declarations amplify accountability by creating social pressure.

• Takeaway: Share your goals with others to reinforce your commitment.

Accountability Partners

According to Gretchen Rubin, author of The Four Tendencies, having someone who checks in with you is one of the most effective ways to stay accountable.

• Takeaway: Find a friend, mentor, or coach to help keep you on track.

Religious and Moral Anchors

Faith and spirituality often shape accountability. Religions like Christianity emphasize being accountable to God, while philosophies like Buddhism connect accountability with mindfulness and karma.

• Takeaway: Reflect on your values or beliefs to guide your actions.

Radical Responsibility

Dr. Tara Brach promotes radical responsibility: taking full ownership of every aspect of your life, even challenges you didn’t create.

• Takeaway: Look inward to find solutions rather than blaming external factors.

Part 2: Responsibility vs. Accountability

While the two terms are closely linked, there’s a key distinction:

• Responsibility is task-specific and asks, “Who will complete this job?”

• Accountability is outcome-oriented and asks, “Who will own the result?”

In my real estate business, a team member might be responsible for scheduling an open house. However, I’m accountable for its success. Accountability is about stamping your name on the results, not just checking off the steps.

Part 3: My Personal Accountability Style

My approach to accountability is simple yet deeply rooted in my values.

1. Writing It Down

For me, writing down a goal is the first step toward making it real. Once I put something in writing, it feels like a promise to myself and others.

2. Public Commitments

I lead a transparent life. Sharing goals publicly isn’t about seeking validation; it’s about creating responsibility. When I say I’ll do something, I do it.

3. Focusing on Results

I’m driven by outcomes. Whether it’s selling a house, completing a blog series, or building community connections, I hold myself accountable for delivering, not just trying.

4. Aligning with My Values

Accountability feels effortless when it’s tied to my core values of kindness, community, and integrity.

Part 4: My Current Accountability Commitments

In the spirit of accountability, I’m sharing my key goals for 2025. These aren’t just ideas—they’re promises:

1. Expanding The Loop: Advocating to extend the multi-use path from Craycroft to Tanque Verde.

2. Kindness Film Festival: Launching a festival that celebrates kindness through film, benefiting Ben’s Bells.

3. Documenting Tucson: Using photography and blogs to capture the city’s people, places, and stories.

4. Prioritizing Kindness in Real Estate: Focusing not on being #1 by volume, but on serving kind, community-minded clients.

5. Strengthening El Tour de Tucson’s Charitable Impact: Building the charity subcommittee to maximize the event’s reach.

6. Monthly Bikepacking Adventures: Committing to at least one overnight bikepacking trip each month.

7. Supporting Fledgling Charities: Helping emerging nonprofits achieve stability and growth.

8. Transforming My Property: Turning it into a space that reflects the beauty of the Sonoran Desert Museum, with xeriscaping and native plantings.

9. Highlighting Local Businesses: Using photography to support Tucson’s restaurants and shops.

10. Innovating Real Estate: Promoting sustainable practices like showing homes by bike.

11. Building Resilience: Staying strong and fast as I age, so I can continue giving back to my community.

Closing Thoughts

Accountability isn’t just a strategy—it’s a way of living. For me, it’s about aligning actions with values and delivering on promises, whether they’re personal, professional, or community-focused.

By sharing these commitments publicly, I’ve created a system that works for me: a combination of transparency, personal motivation, and integrity.

So, I ask again: Who are you accountable to?

Let me know if this captures your vision!