Fine. I’ll admit it here publicly:
When I walk 3+ miles each day, I often take Kelly Clarkson along. I’ve aways enjoyed her energetic and creatively written 2004 album “Breakaway.”
And every time I hear her belt out the song “I Hate Myself For Losing You,” I wonder, What would our world look like if we all lived like that?
Here are her challenging, accountability-themed words that could’ve come straight from the QBQ! book on PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY …
The Accountability Lyrics
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why he’s not here?
Prior to this line, Kelly boldly sings some not-so-politically-correct words:
I have myself to blame
For the state I’m in today.
Pure accountability, responsibility, and ownership. No hint of finger-pointing, whining, entitlement, or victim thinking.
So, what would our world look like if we all lived like that?
More importantly: Am I living my life like that?
Let’s try Kelly’s lyrics on for size …
WARNING: ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PAINFUL!!!
Here we go:
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why MY GOALS AREN’T BEING ACHIEVED?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why I’M OVERWEIGHT AND OUT-OF-SHAPE?
(Been there. Read 10 Weight Loss Tips From The Once Fat QBQ! Guy)
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why I’M IN DEBT?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why I’M NOT HAPPY?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why MY BUSINESS IS STRUGGLING?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why I LACK FRIENDS?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why I’M IN A DEAD-END JOB?
***
What do you do when you look in the mirror
And staring at you is why MY TWENTYSOMETHING IS STILL LIVING ON OUR COUCH?! (more on parenting)
Admittedly, some people don’t like this type of accountability. It hurts.
I mean, sure, I could lessen my pain by blaming the government, my family of origin, public education, Hollywood, Republicans, Democrats, and the genes I inherited from my parents—but doing all that would mean taking the low road.
I like Ms. Clarkson’s “high road” approach better. No ambiguity. No muddled, convoluted rationalization. No uncertainty. Just this:
The person in the mirror is accountable.
Period.
Comments welcome!
9 Responses
Love it, John! I have used positive affirmations on and off in my life especially when overcoming adversity. So from now on (at least while I am shaving each morning), I’ll be thinking of these lyrics…
What do you do when you look in the mirror, and staring at you is…
…why I will be successful today.
…and why I will choose to make it a great day.
…and why I will add outstanding value to my organization.
…and why I am a positive influence on my children and others.
Well, Kim … love your comment, too!!! Thanks for the wisdom!
Bill Parcels, former head coach of the New York Giants:
“Do you like the man in the mirror?”
It is a poem.
Thanks, Mark. Yep, it’s a good one!
John,
We are what we choose to be not what others choose for us to be. In the end we make the final decision on where we are, and where we are going. It’s always about “the man in the mirror.”
Great post
Tom
Tom, agreed!
I love it John, I always tell people to “check with the man in the mirror” if your looking for answers, he has them.
Thanks for the continued great messages!
Dave
Welcome, Dave! As always!
I’ve been a QBQ fan for many years – and it’s one of the books that I recommend in all my training sessions. Here’s why: if I can help ONE person to take accountability for where they are today, I’ve moved a mountain.
Am I always happy with the person I see in the mirror? No, I’m not. But I know I’ve made the choices that brought me where I am today. Each one of them. Good and bad.
The lady in the mirror… It it is to be, it’s up to me.