Why Accountability Still Matters, Even for the Little Things
When we moved to Miami in 2015, everything changed.
Different rhythm. Different culture.
And suddenly, a very different way of walking the dog.
Back in Maryland, my dog Sundae had it easy. Big townhouse. Private yard. Minimal interaction. But in a high-rise condo? It’s a community. You share elevators, sidewalks, parks, and personal habits become public fast.
That’s when I learned something strange:
A lot of grown adults don’t clean up after their dog.
Even with signs posted, bags stocked, and bins everywhere, it was like a minefield of poop. Every evening, I’d walk Sundae with my kids and have to yell, “Watch out for the 💩!”
But the more I saw it, the more I realized… it wasn’t about the poop.
It was about accountability.
People think the small stuff doesn’t matter.
That if no one sees it, it’s not a big deal.
But that mindset leaks into everything:
- Missed deadlines
- Unpaid debts
- Broken trust
- Excuses over effort
If you can’t take 30 seconds to clean up after your own dog, what else are you leaving behind?
The Mindset Behind the Mess:
“It’s not my problem.”
→ Translation: I don’t believe my actions affect anyone else.
“No one will notice.”
→ Translation: I only move when I’m being watched.
“It’s natural.”
→ Translation: I justify laziness with false logic.
“I don’t like being told what to do.”
→ Translation: My ego won’t let me grow.
It’s deeper than poop.
It’s about the type of person you are when no one’s watching.
Because how you do anything… is how you do everything.
I’ve cleaned up other people’s messes, literally and metaphorically, more times than I can count. And I’ll keep doing it, not because it’s my job, but because I live where I walk. I protect my peace by protecting my space.
So next time you think no one’s watching, remember:
Doing the right thing doesn’t need an audience. Just integrity.
