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As I write this, our “public servants” just kicked the fiscal cliff two months down the road. This is the same congress that hasn't passed a budget in nearly four years…even though it's illegal.

And all the while they point fingers at each other and take our hard earned money to give to rum producers ($222 million), Hollywood ($248 million), Nascar ($78 million), and other such needy groups. And no one believes them anyway.

Not one of us can excuse ourselves out of a pickle that we behaved ourselves into.

If anyone is the worst example of personal responsibility and accountability it is the bulk of our politicians.

Our country is in a shambles because politicians and now a majority of the public believe in taking what they can get, no matter the cost, no matter the consequences. It's not about honor or  duty, it's about fabricated “rights.”

My parents taught me (and we have taught our kids), that rights and responsibilities are inseparable. Without taking on the responsibilities of adulthood, the accoutrements of adulthood are out of reach.

Once when she was about four, Alana said, “I can't wait until I grow up. I can stay up late, watch TV, and eat diet treats!” (This after she was tucked in bed, knowing that we were watching Early Edition and eating some Snackwells devilsfood cookies.)

She was right. It's awesome being an adult. As long as you don't mind paying the mortgage, providing for your own transportation, and never having a sick day in bed again for the rest of your life.

So now you've committed to get serious about creating your dream life, get comfortable with the idea that the pros and cons are connected. And that's a good thing because it's the only way for society to be productive and practical.

Make a commitment today. Stop lying, exaggerating, and BSing people when you don't get the desired result. Make no excuses. Take full responsibility.

If all you could do was produce the desired result, or try another way to get the desired result, think of how much more productive, trusting, and transparent we could be as a society.

Change your life and your trajectory overnight by deciding that you are going to be accountable at every opportunity.

Join me in the 100 Day Challenge!

Alison Moore Smith is a 61-year-old entrepreneur who graduated from BYU in 1987. She has been (very happily) married to Samuel M. Smith for 40 years. They are parents of six incredible children and grandparents to two astounding grandsons. She is the author of The 7 Success Habits of Homeschoolers.