"I'm starting with the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways."
-Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror
Personal responsibility is the intentional act of taking complete ownership of one's decisions and actions. With it, comes the understanding that you are in control of the outcome of your life and have the power to make choices that will influence your future.
As straightforward as this definition may be, taking personal responsibility is one of the hardest things to do because it requires you to be accountable for the consequences of those decisions, regardless of them being positive or negative. You accept the things you do well as well as own up to your shortcomings. In short, you display humility.
To be a person who decides to be accountable for their lives, requires courage, honesty, acceptance, and flexibility in the way that person sees their lives. So, how does one get started on this journey? I love the three step process of what writers, Irina Yugay and Tatiana Azman, wrote in an article, for Mindvalley, which I'll share below:
Step 1: No blaming and no complaining
Blaming others puts you in the position of victimhood. Complaining is just another way to shake off responsibility. Together, they disable you from making real changes.
Step 2: Don’t take things personally
Remember, disagreements are not personal attacks. Try and see things objectively and rationally instead of reacting on impulse.
Step 3: Be conscious of your actions
There’s great power in being able to make conscious, calculated choices. Always keep your goals in mind and choose your actions accordingly.
Motion, Muscle & Mindset,
Coach Asaya