Monday, December 26, 2011

Choosing Responsibility

What does it mean to be personally responsible? How do we take ownership of our choices? I believe it involves assessing our strengths, weaknesses, wants and needs. And understand that we invite consequences based on our actions.

We are bombarded with choices from the time we open our eyes in the morning until the time we close our eyes at night.

• I could get out of bed now and start that exercise regimen… or sleep another 30 minutes.
• Do I want cereal this morning… or scrambled eggs?
• Should I meet Sue for drinks after work… or go grocery shopping?

Our lives become the sum of the choices we make. I hate to admit this, but until recently I didn't really 'own' my choices. As a single mom most of my early adult life, I operated on autopilot to care for my daughter and myself. I had responsibilities and made choices every day, of course. What I didn't do was take the time to consider them and make decisions that would benefit ME. I was used to taking care of everyone else. Personal responsibility was not on my radar. I have since learned that responsibility for myself includes thinking about my choices and how to meet my needs and bless others.

Jake Lawson from Livestrong.com offers several tips on personal responsibility:
• Refute irrational beliefs and overcome fears
• Affirm yourself positively
• Recognize that you are the sole determinant of the choices you make

Click here to read more.

Fear is a huge obstacle in taking personal responsibility. Fear keeps many of us from reaching our full potential. We often miss out on opportunities because we are afraid of change. As the saying goes, the only constant in life is change. I challenge you to try something new. Start small. Volunteer for that non-profit you support. Take guitar lessons. The point is to step out of your comfort zone. Nobody can do this for you.

Many of us also blame others for our circumstances. This keeps us from owning our choices. We blame our family: "My dad said I'd never amount to anything." Our boss: "She doesn't appreciate what I do anyway." We take shortcuts and don’t try. As adults, we must let go of limiting thoughts and any tendency to blame others. We should strive to develop positive thoughts and cultivate an "I can" attitude. "The longest journey starts with the first step."*

Understanding why you do what you do could help you as you move forward in this life journey. A helpful resource is the Color Code - a tool designed to identify your core motive, and make choices more clear. Click here to take the personality assessment.

I encourage you to continue thinking about personal responsibility as you evaluate your strengths and limitations. Be honest with yourself. Let go of fear. And trust that you are right where you're supposed to be – today. Tomorrow looks even better.

*Ancient Chinese proverb

Kellie Williams, is a certified Color Code trainer and is actively on the path to self knowledge.  

8 comments:

  1. It's so odd that you wrote a post about this and I came across it on facebook - it is something I (as a 32 year-old woman) have also just begun really learning, understanding, and embracing more completely than I have before. It's very freeing, a little scary yes, I am working on embracing the "unknown" - which is what my future is to me, but helping myself along by making decisions that are best for me. Great post. Fun color test too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I see more and more signs of people refusing to take responsibility and expecting others to just accept their excuses and offer another chance. They blame their mistakes, failures or shortcomings on others, rather than owning them and commiting to do something differently.

    The beauty and the curse of free will is that we all get to make choices. But with that opportunity comes a responsibility to accept and own the consequences that result -- both good and bad.

    I believe character education is critical. Many young people aren't being taught these important character lessons at home.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Learning how to live "on purpose" by taking responsibility for our choices is one of the greatest lessons we can learn in life. Will we choose to act or merely allow ourselves to be acted upon?

    Great article!

    On a personal note, I have had the opportunity to participate in a training with the author, Kellie Williams, and would highly recommend that if you have the opportunity to attend her workshops that you absolutely do it!

    I continue to be impressed with your work, Kellie.

    ReplyDelete
  4. So true! Having hope in life makes all the difference.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love looking back at posts and seeing the energy of them. his message continues to be meaningful...

      Delete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete