5 signs you’re not holding yourself professionally accountable

As a college professor, I get gratification from seeing a student achieve personally and professionally. There are few things more rewarding than seeing a young person take the initiative to develop the confidence and passion to reach his or her potential.

However, I also often see students who are unable or unwilling to take responsibility for their own choices. These people unwittingly sabotage their own professional fulfillment and personal happiness.

It isn’t just students who do that. Professionals do it, too.

Here are five signs you are not being accountable and ways to change these negative, self-sabotaging habits:

1. Excuses, excuses. Do you blame your parents, roommate, significant other, unfair professors, bad bosses, the economy, etc., for your issues and problems? If you answered yes, you are already in self-defeat mode.

Instead of coming up with the list of excuses of why things have not gone your way, consider how you can change your behaviors and attitudes. Take responsibility for yourself and your choices.