What Are "Accountability Structures” and Why Do You Need Them?

Sweet, sweet freedom

For most college students, the transition to college represents a dramatic increase in freedom and responsibility. Many students assume this means they need to be completely independent.

• This is a fallacy! The transition to independence is a slow, steady one, and even “independent” people still rely on others for support.

• When you were younger, your guardians handled everything for you.

• As you got older, you started to do many things without them, but you likely still relied on them for some support (i.e., shelter, food, and some amount of monetary support).

• You are not alone at college, and while your parents aren’t there it doesn’t mean that you need to face new challenges in isolation.

What is accountability and who am I accountable to?

One of the strongest motivators for overcoming challenges is accountability, i.e., promising someone (whose opinion matters to you) that you will complete your task.

• This is true whether that promise is “I will attend my 9am class on time,” or “I will complete my science homework before the deadline.”

• Your professor may already expect you to do these things, but you may not have a personal relationship with them. If you cut a class, your participation grade may go down, but you may not have to look them in the eye and feel shame that you disappointed them.

• Your parents may already expect these things from you, but those are the people you’re trying to gain independence from! Besides, they’re not at school with you, and you can avoid their calls if you choose to do so. You can’t rely on that expectation to motivate you when you’re up against a wall.

• You may already expect these things from yourself, but it’s very easy to distract yourself when you realize you’re not meeting your own expectations. You can just scroll TikTok, drop by a friend’s dorm, stream a show, play a video game...

• But if you make a deal with your friends to complete homework together or meet for coffee before class, you’re more likely to follow through on those promises!

What are accountability structures?

Accountability Structures refer to the idea of making promises to build scaffolding around yourself. Don't rely on yourself to get things done in isolation. Take advantage of the people around you!

• Humans are social animals. We don’t like breaking our promises and disappointing the people around us. If your friend knocks on your door and asks, “Ready to work?” you’re much more likely to do that work than if you just glanced at your watch and thought, “Oh yeah, I wanted to do some work before it got too late.”

• Also, if you’re having trouble motivating yourself, you can talk to your friend about what you’re feeling, and they can support you.
  
  

What if they’re not working?

• If you feel like you’re constantly disappointing people and can’t keep your promises, and you’re experiencing constant shame about this, you might be experiencing depression. Reach out to your college counseling center for support!

• Yes, a big piece of college is developing independence, but everything you’re experiencing on campus right now is new to you. You’re still learning how to be an adult.

• Also, the truth of the matter is that full-grown adults need help too — from coworkers, therapists, family, and other loved ones. Seeking out help when you need it is just a part of being a successful, thriving adult. And if you have ADHD, a learning disorder, or challenges with mental health, it’s especially important to get comfortable advocating for yourself.