Everyone Else Took the Day Off. You Didn't, Did You?

Why Rigor, Responsibility, and Accountability, always matter.

Even when no one is watching, knows, or expects you to do something.

This past Saturday, I spent the entire day at a coffee shop.

I was not meeting a friend. 

I was not taking a break. 

I was not escaping the week.

I was working. 

I was doing what I love to do. 

I was finding more and better ways to share good thoughts with others.

I was working. 

I continued to notice a constant flow of families coming in with toddlers in tow.

Kids were coloring, girls were buying flowers, and several cyclists were parking their bikes, after coasting down the nearby trail to come in for a bite or coffee.

I saw friends hugging and heard lots of laughter. Lots of artistic coffee drinks  and trays of beautifully presented healthy food being delivered to tables of friends and families. And then there was me.

In the corner.
With my laptop open, earbuds in, and notebooks spread across the table.

I looked around at one point and realized I was the only one in the coffee shop working.

No one knew what I was preparing.
No one asked what I was building.
No one cheered me on or said, “Keep going, Bart.”

But I kept going.

Not because I had to.

Because I told myself I would.

And that moment, surrounded by all of these happy sights, delicious armomas and activity, I thought of a Powerful Lesson from my recent podcast guest, Frank Guengerich, President and CEO of Health, Wellness, & Lifestyle Services:

“Responsibility is a gift you give yourself.

Accountability is an organizational phenomenon.”

Frank’s words hit me hard.

I realized that what I was doing that Saturday wasn’t about being productive for show. It wasn't because someone told me to, or expected it on a Saturday. It wasn’t about impressing anyone. It was simply about my personal expectation for preparation.

Discipline and Quiet follow-through.

Responsibility is an internal promise. It's a quiet commitment to yourself too. It's "doing" what you believe is the right thing, period. No need to brag or boast. 

People will notice your results. 

People will notice if you came in early or stayed late. 

People will notice if you were proactive instead of reactive. 

People will notice if you thought ahead and directed your co-workers to prepare for the future.

And let me tell you, if you don't know this already, they will notice what you don't do, and remember it. It will stand out. 

People will notice, remember, and make a decision about "who" you are and "what" you bring to their team.

"Do What You Say You’re Going To Do"

Lead by example.

Even when no one is watching.

Accountability is a system that helps others rise with you. 

It helps build a synergistic company culture, where things get done, with everyone's participation. 

Rigor is what happens when you honor your internal promise repeatedly. 

It is working hard when no one else is asking you to put forth the effort. 

That’s the part Most People Skip.

"No one asked me"

"You didn't tell me"

"It's my day off" 

"I'm off at 5PM"

"It's not my job"

There are many excuses people can tell you. 

Have you ever witnessed an excuse that  produced a great results?  I haven't. 

What value is there in waiting for a reason, motivation, or for someone else to tell you what you should do? 

Listen, it's easy to give yourself permission to "not do" something. 

When you do this. Nothing Happens, literally. 

If you want a result, productivity, progress, you have to "do" something. Sometimes that "something" comes at an inconvenient time, and sometimes it can actually come daily. You know it, but you don't want to acknowledge it, but you could.

Real momentum is built in moments similar to my efforts on Saturday.

If you want progress, productivity, and results, remind yourself to do the following:

Choose progress over comfort.
Consistency over convenience.
Discipline over delay.

My Challenge to You This Week.

Pick one thing. Just one thing.

For You.

Not for others to notice or for an accolade.
Not for likes. (or shares)
But for Yourself.

Write the outline.
Send the follow-up.
Build the plan.
Prepare before the week starts.

Because this effort will make a difference.
Most people don’t.
But YOU do.

And it shows, and people do notice.

Keep doing the work,
—Bart

For More Inspiration

🎧 Listen to this week’s podcast episode #190:

"Rigor Is Doing the Work In Silence. Responsibility is the Gif You Give Yourself" 

Frank Guengerich, President & CEO, HWLS - Health Wellness and Lifestyle Services.

Every week, I have conversations with leaders who share powerful insights to help you Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

🔹 Find all my podcasts on Apple, Spotify at mostpeopledont.com.

Don't miss out on the chance to be inspired and empowered!

It's another great one! 🎧