The Evolution of Accountability: Tracing the Origins of Personal Responsibility
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash
At Momentum, we often talk about personal core values—those driving forces that shape how we think, feel, and act. Part of the core value exercise involves uncovering the origins of those values. I’ve been doing this work for over 20 years, and until recently, I hadn’t fully grasped where my core value of Accountability came from. But I finally remembered the source.
It takes me back to 2nd grade, the first time I learned about the theory of evolution. It struck a chord. The idea that life adapted, took on different forms, and evolved over millions of years fascinated me. Some species survived, some didn’t. It all seemed so merciless and impartial, yet at the same time, miraculous.
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That moment sparked a realization: We have a responsibility as a species to be custodians for each other. For life to thrive, we must evolve—not just as individuals, but as a society. It’s about moving us all forward and ensuring what we do today serves future generations.
I don’t remember exactly how this realization came to be, but it felt heavy, like a sense of duty. It was so strong that I thought everyone felt the same and was aligned with it. I saw it reflected everywhere: in sustainability, finance, thought patterns, conservation, war and peace—even politics.
Then I found out not everyone shared this view. I was baffled. I’d assumed Accountability was universal, but I learned that as indispensable as it is to me, it may not be the same for others. That’s how core values work. They’re deeply personal. Each of us has core values unique to us, and yet they’re universal; what’s essential to me might not even register for someone else. It’s a setup for disappointment—and a bunch of AFOGs (Another Frigging Opportunity for Growth). These opportunities often present themselves when we expect others to share our values, but they don’t.
We live in a world where information comes to us faster than ever. But what’s even more important is understanding what’s going on in our own minds—our biases, what we think is right and wrong, what drives us to love, to act—all of it tied to our core values.
So, next time you have an opinion, get upset, or fall in love, I invite you to take a moment and reflect. See if you can trace where those feelings and beliefs come from. Ask yourself:
What’s really driving my preferences and opinions?
How much do I know about the true source of all this?
What can we learn from each other when we take accountability for our blind spots?
If my reality is different from someone else’s, can both be true?
Take a deeper dive into your own “Origin of Species.” What drives you, and how can embracing that accountability help shape your future—and ours?
~ Brett
Fundamental of the Week #20: APPRECIATE AND ACKNOWLEDGE
Regularly let people know you appreciate their qualities. Being acknowledged for a task well done is important; being acknowledged for a character quality is lasting.
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