I know that in football and other sports, coaches often say that the best ability is availability. If you’re injured or can’t show up to practice or games, or suspended, then you will not be able to contribute to the team. That mindset helped me a lot in sports. I made good choices and took care of my body. I knew if I did that I had a good chance of playing in the game.
I think there’s another ability that is just as important, if not more so: accountability. It’s the ability to take responsibility for your actions and decisions. You have to know everything that you do has consequences, and you have to accept those consequences, good or bad.
In sports, you have to hold yourself accountable to be able to improve. Being coachable takes a lot of accountability. A coach can’t help you get better if you can’t accept that there was a problem in the first place. Eventually they will move on from trying to help you, and you just won’t play.
If you break the law and you hold yourself accountable, the judge might lesson the punishment. If you don’t hold yourself accountable, the judge might be more harsh on you.
Accountability helps build trust and respect, and it’s crucial for personal growth and development. It’s good to hold others accountable as well as ourselves.
Availability is important, but you can’t be available at all times unless you hold yourself accountable. So when you’re thinking about what it takes to succeed, remember: the best ability is accountability.
FLY, BLACK BOY 