07/10/25 - Wakie Wakie 4:44

Welcome to Your 444 Newsletter!

Where excuses get exposed, and real leadership gets built.

Today’s topic?
Accountability. The kind that stings a little.

Because let’s be honest…

Everyone says they want accountability.
Until it shows up and holds up a mirror.

Not hype. Not cheerleading.
Just the raw truth that makes you squirm.

That’s the version that changes your life.

4 Thoughts to Reflect On

1. Accountability is not a compliment.
   It is a correction. If you only like feedback that feels good, you are not growing.

2. The ego resists what the future requires.
   The same voice that defends your excuses is the one keeping you broke or stuck.

3. Growth starts where comfort ends.
   The conversations you avoid are often the ones you need most.

4. Leadership means going first.
   If you cannot be held accountable, how can you expect others to be?

4 Lessons I’ve Learned

1. My biggest breakthroughs came after the hardest feedback.
   It never felt good. But it was true. And that truth set the new standard.

2. Avoiding accountability is a self-sabotage strategy.
   You will keep blaming the market, the team, the timing. Until someone finally says, "It’s you."

3. Soft circles build weak leaders.
   You need people in your life who will challenge your blind spots. Not coddle them.

4. Accountability is love. Real love.
   If someone cares enough to call you out, do not get defensive. Get grateful.

4 Challenges for You This Week

1. Ask someone you trust: What’s one thing I need to hear right now that I might be avoiding?
   Then shut up and listen.

2. Identify your default excuse.
   Not enough time? Not enough help? Too many distractions? Call it out. Write it down.

3. Choose one area where you keep falling short.
   Revenue. Discipline. Follow-through. Whatever it is, own it and set a higher standard this week.

4. Commit to reading the blog
   We are dropping a no-fluff breakdown on how accountability works when it's done right. This will sting. And that’s the point.

If you run from accountability, you are not ready to lead.
But if you can take it, learn from it, and keep going stronger?
You are already ahead of 90 percent of people.

Let’s build.

Mark Evans DM