Word of the Week is "Accountability" (Post #28)

​You name it, I tried it?  Productivity apps, alarms, charts, spreadsheets, task accounts, books, deleting ‘distracting’ apps, shutting down my social media (yeah, that’s why I did it), working overnight, and a host of other aimless things.  All in an attempt to fix a problem that I was too proud to admit and too ashamed to ask for help with.

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So, the Wednesday Word of the Week is ACCOUNTABILITY!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “(9) Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. (10) If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. (11) Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? (12) A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”(NLT)

So today is a Wednesday post; however, it will have a Friday feel (watch Vlog #2 to understand what I mean by that – click here.)

Confession:  I struggle with productivity and focus.  In other words, I have a big problem with getting things done AND I KNOW I’m the ONLY one who struggles with that! 

Yeah.

Now, when I say struggle, I don’t mean in a minor way; rather, I mean in a stare into space and/or “surf-the-net-for-two-hours-if-I’m-not-careful” kind of a way.   Now, there was a day and time, when just the THOUGHT of admitting that fact would have given me great shame.  In fact, I would go through great lengths to hide it, and even greater lengths to fix it inconspicuously.

You name it, I tried it?  Productivity apps, alarms, charts, spreadsheets, task accounts, books, deleting ‘distracting’ apps, shutting down my social media (yeah, that’s why I did it), working overnight, and a host of other aimless things.  All in an attempt to fix a problem that I was too proud to admit and too ashamed to ask for help with. 

However, in these recent times, I’ve found my greatest break-thorough.  I’ve found something that has richly enhanced my productivity.  I’m no longer in maintenance mode; rather, I’m now in “mission-mode.”  Now, I know you’re thinking, “How did he do it?”

WELL FOR ONLY $19.95… (Just joking)

Do you really want to know?

Well, I’ll tell you.  I faced my fear and confessed my shame to another believer.  However, I did more than just confess.  I then made my life (to him) an open book and gave him raw permission, to hold me accountable. 

Let me add some context to this.

I’m a spreadsheet nerd, I served a project director’s assistant in Dallas, TX and spreadsheets were key to survival.  So, as I progressed into ministry, I did the same thing.  I have a spreadsheet for every task that I’m responsible for.  However, I NEVER share the actual content of them with anyone.  After all, if I did that, then they’d see my struggle. 

Well, that had to change. 

I informed my “accountability partner” (whom we’ll refer to as my AP going forward) that I had to issue these spreadsheets to him unaltered, weekly for review.  If I had aimless time, I had to admit it on the document, in agreement with my integrity before God and my commitment to him.  And wow did that hurt. 

I remember my first submission was great.  However, my second, ouch.  I literally had a day where I had to account for 3 hours of aimless time on the internet searching for great things like:

• Why did Starbucks stop giving away free apps?
• How many Twitter followers does Trevor Noah have?
• Is there a new “Breakfast Club” interview out?
• I miss Frasier, what is Kelsey Grammer up to these days?
• What’s the average price of a home within the major cities of America?

Surely, a bunch of stuff that was just going to catapult my ministry.  I remember turning it in and my AP holding me accountable for this waste of my greatest resource, time.  I remember how I felt when I noted that this time was time away from your family, ministry, blog promotion, self, and most importantly, your purpose.  In that moment, I felt ashamed; however, I saw something powerful after that.

In that moment, my AP reminded me that I was better than that.  He noted some areas in the sheet where I was making great strides and he was very encouraging.  He revealed some productivity problems that (if addressed) could make great impact on my efficiency.  He showed me some great productivity hacks and he taught me the importance of PLANNING a small segment of my time for doing nothing.  He reminded me that he believed in me and we prayed for success.  Next week, 100% success of time management. 

Why you ask?  Because I knew I would have to account for my negligence. 

You see, my former self used shame to hide.  The main problem with hiding your problem is that, if you do it long enough, you’ll eventually get used to it.  I mean sure, you want it to gone; however, not enough to change.  I sadly had to admit that I had gotten used to letting myself down; however, I prayed then (and now) that I never get used to letting the people I love down. 

The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation.  There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow…” (NLT)

I know it’s hard, but do yourself a favor, swallow your pride, get an AP, and give them full disclosure, all-access, and unmitigated permission to hold you accountable. 

Your thoughts?  Inspired?  Upset?  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know below.  Peace and love family.

Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
@kevindjonessr
​@imperfection360