By Chris Austin, President of Ardiah

Over the weekend, I made a commitment. I joined a group where we hold each other accountable for better life and health decisions. You know, the whole “stop making excuses, do the work, and get better” kind of thing. And as I sat there thinking about how important accountability is for personal growth, a thought hit me: What about accountability in business?

We’re so quick to set goals for ourselves—eat healthier, exercise more, wake up earlier (and actually get out of bed instead of scrolling through our phones). But when it comes to business, are we holding ourselves to the same standards? Are we owning our performance, making the necessary changes, and avoiding the stubborn mindset that can lead to failure?

Accountability in business isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have. And if you don’t think so, let’s talk about the businesses that ignored reality until it was too late.

The Stubborn Business Owner’s Guide to Failure

Ever heard the phrase, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results”? That’s not just a fun quote for motivational posters—it’s also the unwritten business plan of too many struggling companies.

Stubbornness is the business killer that sneaks in disguised as “confidence” or “loyalty to the old ways.” It whispers in your ear:

• “We’ve always done it this way!” (…until you’re out of business.)
• “I don’t need to change, the customers just don’t get it.” (…no, they get it. That’s why they’re going elsewhere.)
• “I can handle this myself—I don’t need help.” (…until the IRS, an auditor, or a wave of customer complaints suggests otherwise.)

I’ve seen businesses refuse to upgrade their technology, ignore financial warning signs, and avoid asking for help simply because they didn’t want to admit they were wrong. And every time, it led to one thing: avoidable failure.

How to Hold Yourself (and Your Business) Accountable

The best leaders don’t just say they’re accountable—they prove it. So, how do you stay accountable without falling into the stubbornness trap?

1. Embrace the Ugly Truths

Numbers don’t lie, but people sure do (especially to themselves). If your business isn’t growing, if cash flow is tight, or if customer complaints are rising, face it head-on. Ignoring it won’t make it go away—it’ll just make it worse.

2. Ask for Help Before You Need It

Successful leaders surround themselves with advisors, coaches, and professionals who help them see their blind spots. If you wait until things are falling apart to seek help, you’ve already waited too long.

3. Adapt or Die (Business Edition)

Change is hard, but irrelevance is worse. If your systems are outdated, your bookkeeping is a mess, or your processes make life harder instead of easier, it’s time for an upgrade.

Where Ardiah Comes In (Your Accountability Partner in Crime)

We help businesses make smart, data-driven decisions, whether that’s by streamlining back-office operations, keeping payroll on track, or ensuring your accounting isn’t just a pile of receipts in a shoebox.

Need a second set of eyes on your operations? Looking for better ways to manage finances, payroll, and efficiency? Want someone to tell you gently when you’re being a little too stubborn? That’s what we do.

So before you let pride and resistance steer you toward business failure, take a deep breath, accept the reality check, and reach out. Your business deserves better than just hoping for the best.

And if you need a little extra motivation, just remember:

“Excuses will always be there. Opportunity won’t.”

Let’s make sure you don’t miss it.

Need help keeping your business accountable? Let’s talk.

Visit Ardiah to learn how we can help. 

Chris Austin