Shifting personal responsibility has become a national pastime. Blame, complaining, whining and procrastination are the immediate results. We see it from the two-year old to the corporate CEO. Suing McDonald’s because you got fat is the ultimate in finger-pointing for blame.
Just keep in mind no individual can achieve worthy goals without accepting personal accountability. With clear goals and personal responsibility you can put yourself back in the driver’s seat immediately. Without those people invariably end up feeling like “victims of circumstances.”
I am currently working with a gentleman who has been with the same company for 23 years and is being paid in excess of $350,000 annually. It’s very clear he is being strongly encouraged to leave – and will likely be terminated very soon if he doesn’t leave on his own. Does he have reason to feel angry about his termination and those young “idiots” who are taking his place? Was he promised something beyond being paid well for his daily efforts? Should he have perhaps been planning his future apart from the company? Doesn’t the company have the right to reduce costs by bringing in a lesser paid worker?
Here are some excuses for why….”It’s not my fault!”*
I got severe tire damage on the Road Less Traveled.
I learned the wrong 7 Habits.
The Chicken Soup for My Soul was contaminated with E coli.
Someone slipped me some bad affirmations.
I’m one of those good people bad things happen to.
*Excuses from “Every Excuse in the Book,” by Craig Boldman and Pete Matthews
No matter what the circumstances, you can put yourself in the driver’s seat immediately by accepting responsibility for where you are today and creating a clear plan for where you are going to be tomorrow.
Need help creating a plan? https://www.48days.com/coaching/ Our coaches work with lots of people who are going through transitions. Fill out a simple profile to see if we can find a match for you.
Dan, these excuses as a classic for sure!
Great resources for having the 48 Days Career Coaches!!
Thanks!
Jen
“Take Personal Responsibility” has been one of my five Life Values for over two decades. So, I agree with you, Dan. You’ve hit the nail (something important to live by) right on the head. Thanks!
Excellent post. It is all about control, isn’t it? If I don’t accept responsibility for my actions then I have put someone else is in control of me. Not something I am going to let happen.