Motivtion: The Power of Responsibility

One of the things I've noticed about successful people is that they have a clear understanding of the relationship between cause and effect in their lives. Successful people understand that if they want something, they have to do all the necessary things to get it.

"If I do this, then that will happen. If I don't do that, then this will happen." This important skill allows successful people to anticipate and plan for the future.

Our culture teaches the opposite of responsibility

Unfortunately, we live in a culture that teaches the opposite of responsibility. If something good happens, it's luck. If something bad happens, it's definitely someone else's fault, certainly not mine.

The belief that we are not responsible sabotages all the power that can be found in taking responsibility for our lives.

When it comes to understanding the power of responsibility, there are three main areas we need to understand. The first has to do with the concept of maturity, the second involves something I call "the ability to respond," and the third has to do with four things for which we are always responsible.

Maturity

We are born male or female. We must choose to become men and women. One of the best definitions of maturity I've ever heard is that we become a man or woman when we take responsibility for our lives. This involves taking responsibility for our attitude, choices and actions. More on this later.

Author and speaker Edwin Louis Cole offers us five characteristics of someone who is immature and/or irresponsible. See if any of these sound familiar -

demanding your own way

insensitivity to others

believe and act like you are the center of the universe

temper tantrums

unreasonable - can't be reasoned with

If you notice yourself in any of these characteristics, read on, because here come two ways to begin to take responsibility.

React vs. RespondSo What Are We Responsible for Anyway?

So what are we responsible for anyway? I'm glad you asked. In all but the most extreme of situations, we are always responsible for these four things -

Our attitude - Even in really crummy situations, we can still control our attitude. If you are stuck in traffic, you can yell and curse, honk your horn and rail against whoever built the roads. Or you can listen to music or a tape, have a conversation, or watch other people react. Either way, you're stuck in traffic.

Our choices - Each of us is given the power of choice in our lives. Yet we so often and so easily give it up. Seizing control of our choices is one powerful way to take responsibility for our lives.

Our actions - Because we have the power of choice, we have control over the actions we choose to take. I realize that what I am saying may be heresy to some in our "victim mentality" society. That doesn't make it any less true, however.

The consequences of our attitude, choices and actions - Here's the scary part. Many times we don't have control over the consequences. Once a cause is set in motion, it can be difficult or impossible to stop. We are still responsible for the consequences. That's why it's so important to take responsibility for our attitude, choices and actions.

Maturity, responding instead of reacting, and taking control of our attitude, choices and actions.

That's a prescription for accessing the power and strength of responsibility in our lives.

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.

---

Darkness of Winter Encourages Insights

The darkness of Winter has descended.For many the long stormy... Read More

Why Idle Hands Create Stagnation in Our Lives

You've probably heard the phrase, "Idle hands are the devil's... Read More

Magic In The Leadership Zone!

"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small... Read More

Ten Major Causes of Failure

-Lack of a specific purpose in life. You can not... Read More

Courage

"Courage is being scared to death - but saddling up... Read More

Limitations Real Or Imagined, Stick Em In A Pigs Eye!

It's about time to take a real hard look at... Read More

Book Summary: Self Motivation

Gail Lindenfield is a well-known British author who has written... Read More

Persistence

One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More

Is Fear Killing Your Dreams?

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in... Read More

Commit To Applying Lessons Learned

When growing up as a child, the concept of learning... Read More

Three Simple Ways to Stay Focused

While I was trying to find a subject to write... Read More

Three Fs and a Challenge

It's no secret that life is a tricky animal to... Read More

Get Things Done: Take 21!

Ever begin doing something that you do for a few... Read More

The Best Day Of My Life

Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is... Read More

Change 101: How to Handle the Changes that Come Your Way

One of the few things that are constant in this... Read More

What Motivates You - Desire or Fear?

The energy of desire is a powerful motivator and creative... Read More

This Emotion Is As Helpful As Ali-Baba And His Forty Thieves!

Are you afraid of your own best ideas? Do you... Read More

How to Overcome Procrastination in 4 Simple Steps

If procrastination is holding you back in life, these 4... Read More

DAMAGED

On the J-O-B. That's where I met him. Quentin Cole... Read More

L-I-V-E-- 12 Steps to Living Your Life

Many of us only inhabit our lives- we do not... Read More

The Secret Motivation Strategy That Never Fails

No matter how much you want to make your dreams... Read More

Its Only Too Late If You Dont Start Living Now

Remember when summer seemed to last forever? My mother use... Read More

Wherever you Go - There you Are

Wherever you go, there you are. This is the title... Read More

Getting Started is the Toughest Part of the Job

One of the most challenging things about starting on a... Read More

How to Stay Motivated Day In and Day Out

Staying motivated requires a daily ritual.In other words, motivation is... Read More

Hurry Up And Procrastinate

I've been meaning to write this column, but I keep... Read More

Frustration, Isolation, Overwhelm

Whether you've been in business for yourself for a day... Read More

Whats Stopping You?

We're all familiar with the cycle:We want new, but resist... Read More

Take a Turn at Tenacious!

"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence.... Read More

Who Is The Inner Critic?

The inner critic is that voice inside your head that... Read More

Are You a Self-Saboteur?

Take this questionnaire to get clear on what you may... Read More

10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination: The Challenge for Tomorrow!

Did you realize that as much as 47% of the... Read More

Planting Seeds of Action

Recently, I was driving past a local nursery and saw... Read More