Christopher Gonzales (Nutrition)

I have thought heavily about cultural pillars, and I have concluded that a cultural pillar doesn’t always mean it’s a core value that supports positivity, or good things. In fact, there are leaders in criminality-minded cultures, who, in reality, uphold their pillars of beliefs and values with conviction. So, what separates our cultural pillars from those who aim to do harm, and bad things, in our society? …well, I would have to strongly say it is our practices that separates us from others.

Personal accountability is a practice, better yet an action, that is a fantastic elemental start in being a person of strong, positive, values. But, of course, we all want to say we are full of honor and goodness, but I will be the first to say I have failed much in being accountable; I had realized, many years ago, that failure gave me the opportunity to gain traction toward success, implementing personal accountability any chance I could.

Personal accountability is multifaceted, it can look like many different things, which is why I am okay with focusing on one facet at a time. I may focus on being sorry, when I inadvertently hurt somebody’s feelings, even when I feel I did nothing wrong; key focus: empathy. I may focus on the fact that I may not be a team player, when required, and start to mend relationships with my colleagues; main focus: relational development. I may focus on my inclination to tell “white lies,” (you know, truths that really don’t hurt anybody), and decide to start to tell the full truth; key focus: honesty & integrity. Personal accountability is not only for others, but its also for myself. If I become a better me, then I could possibly offer more to others.

Personal accountability is one practice you can live out to ensure someone is getting the best of you.