Self-accountability has always been a challenge for me. I think that’s part of why I get so locked into routines, and why I can get completely thrown off when those routines get disrupted.

Lately I’ve been working on making my routines a little more fluid — allowing space for the unexpected things life throws at you.

One thing that has actually been working for me the past few weeks is sticking to my bedtime and not allowing myself to fall asleep on the couch.

I have to fight that one. I’ll want to stay up to watch the next episode and tell myself, it’s okay, just tonight. But I force myself to get up and get into my bed, and I’m always grateful I did when I wake up the next morning.

I’ve also started compromising with myself. Friday or Saturday night can be a “slumber party in the living room” night — staying up late watching TV without guilt.

Another small trick I’ve started using is only allowing myself to watch a trashy TV show Monday through Thursday while I’m climbing stairs at the gym. It makes the task of climbing stairs a bit more enjoyable while catching up on the Housewives.

And while it sounds a little silly when I say these things out loud, it’s what’s working for me right now.

I’m realizing that self-accountability doesn’t always have to look like discipline or perfection. Sometimes it looks like small tricks that help you follow through.

For now, I’m enjoying finding these little ways to hold myself accountable to the goals I want to achieve and the person I’m continuing to become.