As the Millennials dub it "adulting," self-responsibility is a critical developmental skill for success and happiness. It is an empowering gift, yet if people see being accountable as something bad, it can stunt their personal growth.
What Is Self-Responsibility
Self-responsibility is the belief that each person is responsible for their own life and choices. It includes the good and bad things that happen and therefore requires that people take ownership of their own lives.
However, being responsible doesn't mean you have to do everything alone or can't ask for help. Instead, it simply means that you are ultimately responsible for your happiness and well-being. It requires you to be your biggest advocate.
Why Is Self-Responsibility So Important?
It is critical to be accountable for what you want out of life. Therefore, self-responsibility is the key to success. When responsible for our lives, we can make decisions that will lead us toward our goals. Hence, responsible individuals do not wait for someone else to do it for us or make decisions on our behalf.
Of course, self-responsibility also requires self-motivation. How can we expect to take action if we don't have that motivation?
So, What Makes a Person Responsible?
There is not one defining trait of disciplined and responsible people. Accountable people may appear highly disciplined and driven, while others are more easy-going and carefree.
Some characteristics of a self-responsible person are that they are independent, proactive, and accountable. However, they will exhibit at least some specific qualities. For instance, people in charge of their lives:
Take ownership of their choices
Are not easily defeated
Display resiliency
Are resourceful
Are not afraid of risks
Have integrity and are honest with themselves and others
Set and achieve goals
Are committed to personal growth
Have a positive outlook on life
Can find good in every situation
Are supportive of other
Maintain healthy relationships
Why Do People Avoid Accountability?
Our childhood influences our perspective on life. So if we faced harsh punishment (or lacked consequences) in the past, we might have developed a skewed view of responsibility. Hence, making it hard for some people to be honest about our mistakes and shortcomings.
Even some of our adult experiences can further tie negative connotations to responsibility. Perhaps you associate it with being criticized, ridiculed, or negative consequences. Furthermore, if we lack self-awareness, we may not have enough insight to own our actions.
Why Is Self-Responsibility Important?
Living a fulfilling life requires you to take charge of what you want and what you do.
Self-responsibility is the ability to take ownership of one's life and actions.
It is being accountable for your happiness, success, and well-being. It means not blaming others for one's problems or shortcomings but instead taking ownership and working to solve them. Additionally, it means having the courage to face the consequences of one's choices, good or bad.
Self-responsibility is the foundation for personal empowerment.
It allows us to become the masters of our lives rather than the victims of our circumstances. It gives us the power and courage to take risks, pursue our dreams, and live authentically. When self-responsible, we control our lives, giving us a sense of power and freedom.
Self-responsibility is the key to creating healthy relationships.
When self-responsible, we take responsibility for our happiness and not depend on others for our well-being. It gives us the ability to give and receive love without conditions. Other people's words or actions do not as easily trigger us. Responsibility makes us more tolerant and understanding and creates more harmonious relationships.
Self-responsibility is a key ingredient for a happy and fulfilling life.
It's the sauce that allows us to take ownership of our lives, learn from our mistakes, and grow and evolve as individuals. It gives us the strength and courage to live authentically and pursue our dreams and passions.
10 Strategies to Start Your Accountability Journey
So, how do you begin developing more self-responsibility? It's normal to be overwhelmed and even nervous when considering how to approach self-growth. It, like other self-development skills, doesn't stand alone. However, here are some 10 tips to continue your journey with empowering methods:
Understand what self-responsibility means
Own your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Acknowledge that you are capable of making choices and taking action
Commit to taking responsibility for your life
Practice self-compassion and self-forgiveness
Take responsibility for your happiness
Embrace change and growth
Live in the present moment.
Honor your intuition and inner wisdom.
Persevere through setbacks and adversity.
Own Your Development and Reap the Benefits
Developing life skills is an ongoing journey where the benefits increase exponentially. We are dedicated to bringing your resources to support you on this journey. Follow Daley Word Blog on Facebook.