PERSONAl RESPONSIBIlITY IS ThE FOUNdATION OF SUccESSeveRYthIng MAtteRsOne question I am asked nearly every time I speak on personal respon-
sibility is about where does it end, where does one stop? The answer is
really that we don’t, not within the scope of what we are responsible
for. Remember that we can only be responsible for people who are not
capable of being responsible for themselves. We may be responsible
to others, not for them. They need the dignity of being responsible for
themselves; their success or failure is their responsibility. When I was
younger I thought I wanted to change the world – really to save the
world. As I matured I learned several things. One is that it is not up to
me to determine that the world needs to be saved. Also, that I cannot
change the world directly, but I can change my world. I change my
world by being responsible. I cannot save the environment, but I can
do my best by being a conscientious citizen, by recycling, reusing, and
not contributing to environmental degradation. I can speak up, bringing
problems to light. In doing my part, I can also serve as an example to
others. Each of us is a role model and influences, for better or worse,
those around us. Certainly some things are more important than others;
what is most important to me may be less important to you. Whatever you
are responsible for matters, and how you step up can change your world.
PeRsonAl ResPonsIBIlItY ACtIon PlAnTo become as personally responsible as possible we must take action.
These are the seven most important steps to take to become the most
responsible, successful, happiest person you can be.
- Where am I reacting instead of responding? What steps can I
take immediately to make sure I do not react? - Where am I being influenced by the expectations of others?
What can I do today to not get dragged into other people’s ex-
pectations? - Where do I not put myself first? What can I do today to make
my success my number one priority? - Where am I experiencing conflict with my values? What steps
can I take today to move my actions in line with my values? - What beliefs of mine are limiting? What steps can I take today
to challenge existing programming and become more open to
new ideas?