The Wisdom of Accountability: Guiding Others Toward Responsibility

In our most recent Plain City Writing Group meeting, we were given a writing prompt to write a relationship scene.  I hope you enjoy this scene with Wanda, the WAF project manager.

Wanda has worked very hard over the last three years as the project manager for the Web Application Firewall (WAF) initiative.  Unfortunately, her coworkers don't share the same work ethic and aren't very supportive.

The WAF team sees it as Wanda's responsibility to manage end user tickets from "cradle to grave" which often includes opening tickets although her coworkers have the ability to open tickets as well.  The WAF admin is particularly finicky and wants her to "spoon feed" reports to him, convey his work notes to the customer instead of using "additional comments" to interact directly with the end user, and perform all follow-up to confirm any actions taken to remediate the WAF block fixed the customer issue. There are also times when he'll request emergency meetings or bring up concerns that require Wanda to write business justification reports to present before the WAF committee for review and ruling.

At the urging of her department director, Wanda worked with the team who manages the ticketing system to build a specific request form that end users, or WAF team members, can use to submit WAF issues.  The ticketing team coded in directions for the WAF admin as a reminder to "use additional comments if you need further information from the end user."  This request form recently went into production.  Wanda updated documentation previously written for the WAF team on how to open a WAF ticket to reflect how to use this new request form.  Wanda wrote a document that was reviewed by the communications team and began working on how to get it distributed to the consortia members.  It was decided to shorten the communication so that it can be included in the next edition of the consortia newsletter.  

Wanda's director asked her to work with the WAF Admin to have the error messages that customers receive if their activity is blocked updated to include the link to the new request form.  Since access to WAF is locked down, Wanda cannot make these updates herself.  The WAF admin has ghosted her. Wow, even him throwing a hissy fit that changing the blocking message requires a vote by the WAF committee would have been better than ghosting. 

Honestly, Wanda expected resistance and pushback from the WAF Admin and WAF team at some point. in this journey.  While the WAF request form is meant to provide a better user experience for the customer, it also makes opening WAF issues easier for WAF team members as well.  All members of the WAF team should be held accountable, not just Wanda. She is also pushing the envelope with the coded instructions reminding the WAF Admin how to communicate directly with the end user.  After three years of transcribing the WAF Admin's work notes for the customer, scheduling emergency meetings, writing business justifications when he threw a hissy fit and being belittled in front of the WAF team, she's had enough. Supporting WAF should not be entirely on her shoulders!

Wanda has the wisdom to know she cannot change people but will stand her ground by holding her coworkers accountable.  She will not continue to spoon feed team members who have access to the same resources as her.  The customers (end users) have access to this new request form; hopefully, the consortia newsletter blurb serves to educate them about this improved user experience. 

Will the WAF Admin change the blocking message as requested?  Will he throw a fit and require that it a vote by the WAF team?  We will see what the week ahead has in store.

Resources:

Writing Prompt Courtesy of Anja, leader of the Plain City Writing Group

Scripture Image from YouVersion Bible App

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Protect Your Peace and Know Your Best is Good Enough

Go the EXTRA mile!

You're on vacation but you give the EXTRA effort and check in periodically.

Don't just come to the gym for scheduled classes, do EXTRA credit on your own time!

How about some EXTRA help?

Do any of these sound familiar?  All of these reflect EXTRAs in my life over the past several weeks. 

The extra mile was Google Maps having a brain cramp that was resolved by pulling into a parking lot, closing out and restarting the map to get me back home.  Regarding the extra effort while on vacation, I will not rehash what you can read in these blog posts Choosing Health over Wealth and When Job Stress Becomes too Heavy to Carry. The Extra credit workouts at the gym started this past week.  I completed two out of three.

By Friday evening, I felt like I'd been hit by a truck; not a little pickup but a semi with a double-trailer.  I opted to turn off my alarm for Saturday morning. When I woke up on Saturday, I had a fever and swollen glands. I decided to lay low and just putter around the house.  I folded some laundry left from Friday and tidied up clutter. 

By Saturday evening, I was still feeling lousy so I let my girl friends at the Lewis Center AA group know that I wouldn't be at Sunday's meeting.  I turned off my alarm again.  When I woke on Sunday, I was feeling a little better but grateful I wasn't going anywhere although I would miss seeing the girls and going for our coffee after the meeting.

On Sunday, I saw this image.

This really hit home.  I was so worried about disappointing my customers that I worked during parts of my last vacation.  I don't want to disappoint the coaches at Steadfast so let's put in extra workouts despite my body saying "shouldn't you consider some extra rest?"  

I see my OB this coming week for my annual appointment.  I think it's time that we discuss some extra help for me.  By "extra help," I mean possible hormone replacement or whatever she might recommend to help me in my perimenopause journey.  It might sound funny that "itchy and bitchy" describe how I've felt for the last month but it's actually the truth.  My ears itch so horribly that I've irritated them.  My mood has frankly been foul or "bitchy." Not all of it is my husband being well, my husband or my coworkers being themselves.  I do think some of it could be hormonal. 

It is also time that I start putting myself first instead of putting myself last.  Will I disappoint people with decisions that I make?  Sure, I probably will but don't I deserve to be happier, well-rested, and less stressed?  I think so.

Resources:

Image from BuddismPage

Previous blog posts about perimenopause:

Coping with Perimenopause

How to Support a Friend going through Menopause

Why Am I Always Tired?

Start Where You Are: How to Use What You Have and Do What You Can

Thinking about big goals but feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many believe success needs

perfect conditions or a lot of money. That’s not true. Small steps, taken often, matter more than giant leaps from the start. When you begin from where you are, use what’s already in your hands, and do what’s possible today, obstacles seem less impossible. This post was inspired by an Arthur Ashe from grateful.org and shows how you can reach your dreams without waiting for ideal circumstances.

We often wait for the perfect time, the perfect resources, or the perfect plan before we take action. But here’s a secret: there is no perfect. Life unfolds in motion, not in waiting rooms.

Imagine an artist with only a pencil and scrap paper. She could sit back and say, “I’ll create once I have the perfect paints, the right canvas, and a sunlit studio.” But what if her best masterpiece begins with that simple pencil? Greatness often starts small.

“Start where you are” is permission to stop wishing for a different beginning. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment, a bustling city, or a quiet corner of life’s challenges, that’s your launching pad. You don’t need a better place—you need a brave first step.

“Use what you have” reminds us that your resources, though they may seem limited, are enough. Your voice, your perspective, your skills—these are tools. They may not look flashy, but in your hands, they hold possibility. Think of a cook who whips up a comforting meal from leftovers. Beauty and creativity thrive in resourcefulness.

And then comes the magic: “Do what you can.” Not everything, not perfection, not superhuman feats—just what you can, today. One page written, one call made, one seed planted. Progress loves consistency more than intensity.

When you combine these three truths, life feels less overwhelming. You don’t need to leap tall buildings; you only need to climb one stair. Small acts, multiplied over time, create powerful change.

So—don’t wait. Start here. Use your now. Do your best. And trust that each step forward carries more weight than standing still.

Resources:

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

YouVersion Bible App

grateful.org

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From Dreams to Wins: How Goal-Setting Transforms Life

Setting goals isn’t just about checking boxes or filling in planners — it’s about creating a life you’re excited to wake up to. When you work toward something meaningful, your days take on a new rhythm. Suddenly, even small victories feel like fireworks. That little spark of accomplishment fuels your motivation, pushing you to dream even bigger and reach even higher.

But here’s the best part: goals aren’t just about motivation. They give your life structure. They help you manage your time, choose what matters most, and gracefully say “no” to the distractions that pull you off course. You become more focused, less stressed, and more efficient — all while feeling good about the direction you’re heading.

And when you share your goals with others? Magic happens. You create accountability. You invite support. You give your friends and family a reason to cheer you on when things get tough. Suddenly, your goals aren’t just yours — they’re a team effort.

In short, setting personal goals brings clarity, energy, and joy. They give you direction, help you stay on track, and — most importantly — make life feel more fulfilling.

Step 1: Identify What Matters Most

Before you set a single goal, you need to know yourself. Your goals should reflect your deepest values and passions. Ask yourself:

• What makes me feel most alive?

• What principles guide my choices?

• Where do I want to be in five years?

For me, I don’t always plan far into the future. Most of my goals are rooted in health and fitness, so they tend to align with the short-term objectives of my training program. Still, even in the short term, aligning goals with what matters to you makes them far more powerful.

Step 2: Break Big Goals into Bite-Sized Wins

Big dreams can feel overwhelming. That’s why breaking them into smaller, manageable steps is key.

If your dream is to write a book, start with one chapter a month. If your goal is to improve strength, start with one new lift a week.

Right now, I was considering adding a strength class to my 4 weekly CrossFit sessions. After chatting with a coach, I learned about January’s extra-credit programming (bench press + jump rope). So instead, I’m dedicating one open gym session a week to work on those weaknesses. Same progress, but in a way that feels doable with my schedule.

Step 3: Anticipate Obstacles Before They Happen

Every journey has roadblocks. The trick is to see them coming. Write them down and brainstorm strategies in advance.

Sometimes, obstacles aren’t just physical or time-related — they’re about boundaries. I’ve learned I need to set expectations at home to protect my time and focus. (I wrote more about that in Overcoming Guilt When Setting Personal Boundaries.)

Step 4: Build Habits That Keep You Going

Goals aren’t reached through bursts of motivation — they’re achieved through consistent habits.

At our gym, the coaches check in if they haven’t seen someone in a while. It’s not about guilt; it’s about care. Whether you’ve been on vacation or just struggling to show up, they want to help if you’re open to it. That kind of support can keep your momentum going when your own motivation dips.

Use habit trackers, set reminders, and create rewards for sticking with your routines. Small daily wins stack up over time.

Step 5: Review, Adjust, and Learn

Regular check-ins are essential. I use the Wodify app to track my workout data — it helps me see where I’m improving and where I might need a tweak.

And yes, some days are total workout fails. That’s okay. I just ask, “Why?” Maybe I didn’t sleep well, ate something that didn’t sit right, or had a stressful day. Or maybe… it’s just one of those days. The important thing is learning from it and moving forward.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Win

Never underestimate the power of celebration — big or small. At my CrossFit gym, we celebrate each other constantly. Hitting a PR? Finishing a tough WOD? Showing up when you didn’t feel like it? It’s all worth a high-five (or ten).

Surrounding yourself with supportive people makes success feel even sweeter. 

The Takeaway

Goal-setting is more than a productivity hack — it’s a way to live with purpose. When you know yourself, break big dreams into small steps, anticipate challenges, build solid habits, and celebrate along the way, you set yourself up for a life of growth and joy.

So here’s your challenge: write down one goal you want to achieve. Then break it into clear, actionable steps. Your future self will be so glad you started today.

Related Blog Posts:

How to Set Goals that Help You Move Ahead

Overcoming Guilt When Setting Personal Boundaries

Resources:

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

YouVersion - Scripture Image

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Why Your Dreams Matter More than Your Doubts

Doubt creeps in when uncertainty takes over our thoughts. It makes us question our choices and abilities, often leading to hesitation. This feeling can stem from fear of failure or the pressure to meet expectations. When doubt arises, it can cloud judgment and impact decisions, leaving one feeling stuck. Overcoming doubt requires building confidence and trusting one's instincts, which can lead to clearer paths and better outcomes.

Google informed me this blog did not meet their criteria for the AdSense program as the content is not engaging and it is low traffic.  I was disappointed but I didn't have time to dwell on it as I was off to Crossfit class. I came across the email later in the evening while my husband Jon and I were watching TV and I still didn't think too much about it.

I've started a new bedtime routine these past couple of weeks where I come up to my bedroom and I read a physical book with a little reading light before I get into bed. The goal is to reduce blue light exposure from devices right before climbing into bed.

The book I'm reading is Unshakable Trust by Joyce Meyer. The pages that night were in the chapter on doubt.  These words from Joyce stood out to me:

"I once heard that doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.  Don't let doubt derail your faith.  Recognize it for what it is and move past it in faith!"

The timing of those words was perfect as they encouraged me before doubt could settle in.  So what if Google doesn't like my content?  This blog is a creative outlet for me.  I also spend more time studying and reflecting on God's word when putting together content.  A closer relationship with God is more valuable than money.

Resources:

YouVersion Bible app -Scripture Image

Unshakeable Trust by Joyce Meyer - Quote

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools

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