Thinking deeply about your decisions.

When you think about accountability, you need to think about the potential consequences of your choices. You need to think about the potential consequences of your actions. You need to think deeply about both.

It’s easy to have a knee-jerk reaction and to make your decision based on a moment in time. It’s easy to make a decision when you don’t have to think about the outcome of that choice. True accountability requires you to question your own choices and to question them profoundly.

Will you hurt or embarrass someone? Is your decision based on ego or a caring mindset? Is your choice the easiest choice instead of the best one?

You don’t need to sit alone in the dark or on a beach by yourself. You just need to focus, to think deeply. When I need to make decisions, I like to go for a walk unplugged—no phone, no music—just by myself.

For me, deep thinking comes from quiet and solitude. Usually during a walk along the ocean near my home, knowing how small I am compared to the ocean help me put things into perspective.

You cannot focus while checking email, looking at Facebook, reading texts or talking on the phone. The next time you need to make a decision, unplug and go for a walk. You’ll be amazed at how much clarity you achieve and how much more impactful in a positive way your choices will be.

I consider my purpose in life is to help others, including being accountable. That obligation often requires me to think deeply about my choices. If a client’s product is recalled or one of my kids needs help with homework or a colleague makes a mistake, I consider it my responsibility to help make it right.

Doing the right thing often requires thinking deeply about your choices. The next time you have a problem to solve or a choice to make, be sure you think deeply about the consequences of your decision.