Accountability. When I hear that word, I get a certain “uh oh” feeling. To me, it means “it is time to get serious,” “no playing around” and “if you say you’re going to do something, then do it.”

In the wake of several scandals involving college football players, one college coach has set new rules. He’s making his players accountable.
Charlie Strong, the new coach of the University of Texas, met with players and gave them new rules for the season. The rules are tough, strict and enforceable. Other coaches, and anyone else who is serious about results,  should take note at the message it sends.

• Players must attend all classes and sit in the front two rows. Assistant coaches will  constantly check on the players.

• If a player misses a class, he must run until he hurts. If he misses two class, his entire position’s unit must run. Miss three, and the position coach must run (they won’t want to do this).

• No headphones or texting in class. Players must sit up and take notes.

• Women must be treated with respect. No drugs, stealing, or guns. No earrings in the football building.

• The team will live, eat, hang out and suffer together. They will impose accountability on the other teammates. No cliques.

• Only seniors who achieve certain academic standards can live off campus.

• There’s no time for rebuilding. Texans will win now (Cleveland Browns, take note). Seniors and key leaders were met with individually and were told again about the culture of “winning now.”

• Players will practice rather than milk a minor injury.

• Focus is on winning as well as graduating. Anything outside of that is considered a distraction that will be removed.

Some players may transfer because of the strict new rules. But the rules may also usher in a new era of player accountability.

I believe everyone who is serious about results should have an “accountability coach.” Alcoholics Anonymous members, weight loss programs, religious institutions and others have them. They’re also called advisers, counselors, mentors and friends.

I decided to appoint a dear friend to this position after I realized that it was taking me too long to complete a writing project. It was something I wanted to do, and needed to do, but a) I couldn’t get started and b) there were always other obstacles (excuses) stopping me.  I asked my accountability coach to text me at least three times a week to make sure I’m progressing toward my goals and perform weekly  accountability checks where we would talk about my progress (or lack thereof).

It’s working. I’m now further along than I would be if I’d relied only on myself. Everyone needs a coach, someone to hold them to their goals. We all have distractions. Coaches are there to keep us on track.