A Journey to Personal Accountability – Part 2

 First, I want to sincerely apologize for the delay in posting Part 2 of this series. Life has been... well, hectic. Between the demands of work, family, and everyday responsibilities, the days seemed to slip right through my fingers. But as I continue on this journey of growth and reflection, I’ve come to realize that delays like this one are opportunities—not failures—to learn and refocus. So, let’s pick back up where we left off.

Years had passed since I first read The Pledge of Success in Reader’s Digest. I did my best to remember the words daily, using them like a compass to start each day with purpose. But that was only the beginning. The real shift came when our district manager handed each of us a copy of The Oz Principle as part of our leadership development. It was more than just a book—it was a mirror. A mirror that forced me to take a long, hard look at myself and how I approached responsibility.

The Oz Principle centers on the concept of accountability—both personal and organizational. It highlights how a victim mindset can sabotage progress. Instead of rising above challenges, people often fall into the trap of blaming circumstances, coworkers, or bad luck. I read those pages and saw a version of myself I didn’t want to be anymore. I had spent far too long pointing fingers outward instead of inward.

One of the core teachings from the book is the “Steps to Accountability” model: See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Each step calls for awareness, responsibility, problem-solving, and action. When I first read those words, it hit me like a punch to the gut. I realized that I was quick to own the wins—but the losses? I was an expert at making those someone else’s fault. And in doing so, I limited my growth and stunted my leadership potential.

Blending the lessons from The Oz Principle with The Pledge of Success created a powerful shift in my thinking. I started asking the hard questions, like “What role did I play in this outcome?” or “What could I have done differently?” That kind of internal questioning was not easy. Let’s be honest—it’s uncomfortable to admit when you're part of the problem. But once you can do that, you open the door to real learning.

Through this mindset shift, I began to view every situation—good or bad—as a chance to grow. I stopped seeing challenges as burdens and started viewing them as opportunities to step up. That didn’t mean I never made mistakes. It meant I learned from them instead of excusing them. That simple but profound change began to shape not just my career path but the way I showed up in every area of life: as a husband, father, veteran, and now, a Realtor.

Of course, there were bumps along the way. The old habits didn’t disappear overnight. There were times when it felt easier to fall back into blaming others or making excuses. But the tools were now in my hands. The Pledge reminded me of who I wanted to be. The Oz Principle showed me how to become that person. Together, they kept me anchored and accountable.

One of the toughest challenges I faced was accepting that accountability isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily choice. Some days I nailed it. Others, not so much. But I stayed committed to the process, knowing that each step forward, no matter how small, was part of something bigger.

Today, I try to live out those principles in every interaction. Whether I’m guiding clients through real estate transactions or simply managing my own goals, I aim to see it, own it, solve it, and do it. Accountability isn’t just a professional skill; it’s a way of life. And as I look back, I’m proud of how far I’ve come—not because I’ve been perfect, but because I’ve been willing to grow.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope that if you find yourself facing hard truths or stalled progress, you’ll remember that change starts with one simple decision: to take responsibility. The road to accountability isn’t always easy, but I promise you—it’s worth it.