an accountable wife: an accountable life

darn!  we’re on a budget.  (ok, truth is we've actually been 'on a budget' for months however i just started legitimately complying.)  

this is seriously the first time since i started working a big-girl gig that i’ve really committed to a budget – and it sucks!  sure, it’s got it’s (long-term) perks now that we’re putting my frivolous spending dough to good use in our retirement and savings accounts I simply can't get over my want to want things.  if this whole budget thing is teaching me anything it’s that i have to be more accountable to myself and my husband.  after all, a lack of accountability creates dysfunction. 

in fact, accountability is a key to any relationship – your relationship with money, your spouse, your co-workers, your family, - yourself.  so why am i so good at being accountable at work but not at home?! well honestly, i think it’s because i’ve fallen prey to an entitlist, 'gotta have it now' mentality.  telling myself: “well they have that, why can’t i?" or  "i work hard, i deserve nice things.” or “ i make descent money, i can buy that.”  entice me with something and i’ll justify it until the sun goes down.  it’s an art and i’ve mastered the craft.

so what does this kind of accountability mean exactly? well it means more than just holding myself to a set standard or expectation.  it means i'm happier, less stressed and a better partner.  

here's what i've learned through this process:  true accountability is about changing your mind set and holding everyone to a similar standard.  at work this means a functional team that’s not afraid to call each other out for not carrying their weight or owning up to a mistake.  at home it means having honest conversations and coming through on commitments.  it’s not just lip service if you’re holding others and yourself accountable.  the results will speak for themselves and when they do you better believe that everything else will ride on them – your credibility, your ability to be trusted, your image, and in a sense, your worth. 

good bye to my free-for-all way of life!