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Own Your Hour: From Darkness to Accountability

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I came across an article recently about people facing their so-called “darkest hour.” You have heard it too; the narrative that we are living through the worst times in history. That everything feels broken. That it is all because of what someone else said or what someone else did.

Here is the truth: It is incredibly easy to point fingers. It is even easier to blame the system, your boss, your parents, your children, your partner, or the person who disagreed with you last week. I have been blamed too; cast as the scapegoat or the fall guy more times than I can count. In the future, I guarantee it will happen again. Because I have been there, trust me when I say, I get it.

But this is not about me. And it is not really about whoever you have chosen to blame, either.

It is about ACCOUNTABILITY. Being ACCOUNTABLE to YOURSELF, FIRST.

At some point, we all have to stop, take a breath, and ask ourselves:
“What role did I play in getting here?“

We are each responsible for our choices. Our actions create outcomes. Our decisions shape our direction. And when we land in a “darkest hour,” more often than not, we helped turn off the lights ourselves.

That does not mean you are a failure. It means you are human. I am human. You are Human.

The difference between staying in the dark and stepping into the light is ownership.

Because once you own it, you can change it.

So, if you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or even hopeless, pause for a moment.

Ask yourself:

  • What choices brought me here?
  • What am I avoiding responsibility for?
  • What can I do differently, starting today?

Your darkest hour does not have to be your final chapter. It can be your turning point.

Take back the pen. Write the next page with accountability, intention, and action.

You do not need permission. You just need to decide. Get to work.

Thank you for time,
David Guerra

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On Building Success…

Not so long ago, I found myself at a crossroads. A crossroad where a decision had to be made. An action had to be taken. I had backed myself into a corner and in no uncertain terms the only way out was to barreling through those obstacles that did their best to keep my back to the corner.

Thinking they had the upper hand, I knew that I had to no choice but do what had to be done. The actions I took might be right for everyone but they were right for me. I was letting the wrong people have the upper hand for far too long. In doing that it was costing me more than I ever knew. However, I was astonished how quickly my sight had cleared up and the burden of trying hard to not make waves was lifted. I did what I had to do to distance myself, my wife, and my children from the insecurities of others. If I wanted to SUCCEED as a husband and father, their insecurity had long was a liability.

The time came to cast off their chains that weighed me down, I had to break from the ties that anchored me to their world. I had to step out from the darkness they felt I deserved. I did just that and success is within reach, now more than ever.

Building success without dimming your light for insecure people involves embracing your achievements and potential unapologetically, while remaining empathetic and supportive to those around you.

It’s important to recognize that your success can inspire others, rather than intimidate them.

Start by setting clear boundaries that protect your self-worth and goals. Focus on personal growth by celebrating your milestones and learning from challenges. Practice humility by acknowledging the contributions of others, yet remain confident in your abilities. Engage in open, positive communication and offer encouragement to help others find their own path to success. By doing so, you create an environment where everyone feels empowered to shine, fostering a culture of mutual respect and inspiration.

Thank you,
David

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That’s Right! Here We Go, Again!

Spring time is in full swing and summer is just around the bend. There is nothing better than waking up to cool mornings and enjoying the day as it warms up (but not too hot.)

a photo of the Ruhla alarm clock taken in 1986 by David Guerra in West Berlin Germany
DDR (East Germany) Ruhla Analog Alarm Clock (circa 1986)

Unfortunately, it does not last long. Spring in my neck of the woods is over before it really starts. Yep, down here on the Southern Border Spring lasts all of two weeks. Then, the triple digit temperatures return with such ferocity that a South Padre Island undertow feels more like a stream running across your ankles.

The seasons are merely signs of transition, time for change. Thus, the cycle begins again or does it never truly end? It really never truly stops or starts. For those that have read my writings and followed me for some time know that whether we like it or not; change is a constant.

So if you are inclined to read on, change brings us back to this place once again. It is here, in the Springtime that we must pause (NOT STOP) to reflect on what we have done, what we want to do, and most of all, what is still left to do.

Folks, this is the best time of the year to put yourself on the scale of life. This is the time to look back on the past 365 days. To see yourself as you see yourself. Paying no heed to what others see when they see you. Only what YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR. You focus on you and nothing and no one else. Once you look at yourself, you see the work you have done and what is still left to do. Then you can begin to work on yourself for yourself.

As most of us are goal oriented, the Spring is the perfect time to get things started, to make things happen, especially if you want to accomplish your goals before the end of the year. You still have time do get things done be the end of this year. As of this writing (13 APRIL 2025) there are 262 days left on the calendar.

That is 8 months and 18 days / 37 weeks / 6,288 hours and the CLOCK IS TICKING! It is not going to stop.

According to the late Dr. Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, it takes 21 days to create a habit. That means you can create approximately 12 new habits between now and New Year’s Eve.

TWELVE HABITS! WOW! Let that sink in!

Ask yourself, what are the 12 new habits and how much can those 12 new habits impact your life?

However, if you are perfectly happy NOT doing something to make your life better or you feel you do not need to improve, to change for whatever nonsensical “excuse” then please know and understand you are getting exactly what you deserve.

Also, do not hate on those that are doing something to become better, you choose the path you choose, let them choose their path, especially when you that have NO skin in their game.

For the rest of us that want to succeed: Time waits for no one. The Time for change is here and now. Everyday is a new opportunity to make a change.

Take that opportunity and Make it happen for YOURSELF.

David Guerra, MA, MBA

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