Summary of "Own it! Why Truly Being Accountable Gets Your Power Back"

TheUPside Podcast
Host: Theresa Flood
Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Own it! Why Truly Being Accountable Gets Your Power Back," host Theresa Flood delves deep into the concept of accountability—a term often met with resistance and negativity. Through engaging discussion, real-life examples, and personal anecdotes, Flood redefines accountability as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. The episode emphasizes that true accountability starts from within and is essential for reclaiming one's power and achieving meaningful success.

Understanding Accountability

Theresa Flood begins by addressing the common aversion to the word "accountability." She acknowledges that many perceive it negatively, associating it with external pressure or judgment. However, Flood reframes accountability as a fundamental aspect of personal success and internal empowerment.

Flood (00:45): "Accountability is ownership. It is saying if it's meant to be, it's up to me. I'm always going to look for my fingerprint. It's always within my power to change me first internally, before I see those external results."

Flood asserts that all success originates from an internal foundation. External achievements are merely manifestations of internal growth and responsibility. This perspective shifts accountability from an external imposition to an intrinsic character trait.

The Victim vs. Accountable Mindset

Flood contrasts two distinct mindsets: the victim mentality and the accountable mindset. She outlines the characteristics of each, highlighting the detrimental effects of seeing oneself as a victim versus the empowering outcomes of embracing accountability.

Victim Mentality

1. Stay in Ignorance: Avoids seeking reality or understanding the deeper aspects of a situation.
2. Fight Reality: Denies the true nature of circumstances.
3. Blame Game: Points fingers at others or external factors.
4. Personal Excuses: Deflects responsibility with statements like "I had no choice."
5. Resignation: Waits passively, allowing life to happen without proactive engagement.

Flood (08:30): "When somebody starts the blame game, if everybody else would have done their job, it's not my fault. The market is to blame, the economy is to blame... Why didn't you do something?"

Accountable Mindset

1. Seek Reality: Actively seeks to understand and accept the true nature of situations.
2. Acknowledge Reality: Recognizes and accepts what is, without denial.
3. Own It: Takes responsibility for one's role and actions in the situation.
4. Find Solutions: Focuses energy on creating actionable solutions and moving forward.

Flood (12:15): "Accountable people own their own decisions and their own situations."

Flood emphasizes that while external factors may influence circumstances, individuals always retain control over their internal responses and choices.

Examples and Personal Stories

To illustrate the power of accountability, Flood shares both public examples and her personal experiences.

Public Example: Terry Crews

Flood references an interview with Terry Crews, highlighting his transition from the NFL to acting and his conscious choice to take accountability for his career path.

Flood (05:20): "He knew when he left the NFL and hadn't made it that he had a choice. And he could either blame coaches, blame situations... or he could take accountability and ownership."

Crews' decision to own his career choices played a pivotal role in his subsequent success, demonstrating the transformative power of accountability.

Personal Story: Returning to Work as a New Parent

Flood narrates her own journey of choosing to return to work after the birth of her twins. Initially, she approached this decision with a victim mentality, feeling overwhelmed and guilty.

Flood (18:40): "I would catch myself when somebody would ask me, so are you going back to work? I would say things like, well, yeah, I have to go back to work because... I have to. It was all victim language."

Recognizing the negative impact of this mindset, Flood consciously shifted her language to reflect ownership:

Flood (22:10): "I started saying... yes, I'm choosing to go back to work. It's the best choice for our family."

This change in perspective alleviated her guilt and empowered her to embrace her decision with confidence.

Strategies to Develop Accountability

Flood provides actionable strategies for cultivating an accountable mindset:

1. Language Matters: Shift from victimizing language ("I have to") to ownership language ("I choose to").

   Flood (25:35): "When you own the choices that you're making... you're not a victim of it."

2. Control What You Can: Focus on internal choices and responses rather than external circumstances.

   Flood (26:50): "What we can always control is what happens with us internally. We can always control our next choice, our next decision."

3. Solution-Oriented Thinking: Prioritize finding solutions over dwelling on problems.

   Flood (20:25): "Let's go, let's get started. This is what I'm going to do next. Here's my plan."

4. Seek Support: Utilize coaches, trainers, and peers to reinforce accountability habits.

   Flood (31:15): "A coach, a trainer can help remind us of those commitments... They can put those habits in front of us."

Role of External Support

While accountability starts internally, Flood acknowledges the significant role external support systems play in maintaining accountability. Coaches, trainers, and peer groups can provide structure, reminders, and encouragement. However, Flood emphasizes that without an inherent sense of accountability, external mechanisms alone are insufficient.

Flood (34:10): "They can help give us structure. They can put those habits in front of us in a way that makes it easier, 100%. I'm all for that. But it starts with choosing to be an accountable person."

External support complements internal accountability by offering tools and frameworks that facilitate the maintenance of accountable behaviors.

Conclusion

Theresa Flood concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of internal accountability in reclaiming personal power and fostering growth. She urges listeners to consciously choose accountability in their daily lives, emphasizing that this choice leads to proactive decision-making and meaningful progress.

Flood (38:45): "Accountability will always start internally. You get your power back. Get back in the driver's seat. Don't give away your power to anybody else, anything, any situation, because you're worth it."

Flood closes with a motivational reminder to invest in personal growth consistently, ensuring substantial returns in both life and business endeavors.

Flood (40:10): "When you invest in your growth every single day, it will yield great returns in your life and in your business."

Key Takeaways

• Accountability as Ownership: Embracing accountability means taking full responsibility for one's actions and decisions.
• Internal Empowerment: True power and success stem from internal growth and the ability to make conscious choices.
• Victim vs. Empowered Mindset: Shifting from a victim mentality to an empowered, accountable mindset is crucial for personal development.
• Proactive Solutions: Focusing on solutions rather than problems facilitates progress and achievement.
• Support Systems: External support can enhance accountability but must be paired with internal willingness to take ownership.

By redefining accountability and providing practical strategies, Theresa Flood empowers listeners to reclaim control over their lives and businesses, fostering a path toward sustained success and fulfillment.