In life, we often find ourselves in a delicate balance between accepting responsibility and blaming others for our circumstances. It's a struggle that many of us face, and it's not always easy to navigate. However, as we delve into the concept of responsibility, we begin to uncover a profound truth - the more responsibility we accept, the more control we have over our lives. With greater control comes increased freedom, and ultimately, a surge of positive emotions.
Responsibility: The Key to Control
Brian Tracy in one of his speeches, emphasizes that the top 10 percent of people in this world are those who take total responsibility for their lives. They are the leaders, not because they have followers or a staff, but because they behave like leaders. This shift in mindset, from blaming others to embracing responsibility, brings a tremendous sense of control over one's life. A true leader will shift their focus on taking responsibility and seeking solutions, while the rest will blame circumstances and others for the issue at hand.
When you blame others, you give them the power over your circumstances, your life, your finances, your earning potential, your health, your relationships, your… When you accept responsibility however, it's not just physical and financial control you gain; it's emotional control as well. You feel in charge of your life, making decisions that shape your destiny. The more control you have, the more freedom you experience.
Why do people aspire to start their own businesses or accumulate wealth? The answer, according to Brian Tracy, is simple - the pursuit of freedom. Human beings cherish freedom; it's a universal desire. No one has ever complained about having too much freedom. In contrast, there are politicians who believe they need to regulate and control individuals to the point of restricting their freedom. But no one willingly says, "Tax away my income and restrict my behavior, please!".
The link between responsibility, control, and freedom is direct. The more responsibility you accept, the more control you feel, which translates into greater freedom. Your life becomes a canvas you paint with choices and actions, and the resulting masterpiece is a life rich with positive emotions.
Unfortunately, most of us tend to, knowingly or unknowingly, avoid taking responsibility. We’ve been accustomed from childhood to being told what to do. First by our parents, then our teachers, to our friends, and on to our employers. This gives us a false sense of control while in the real sense, you’ve handed over control to others. We are afraid of making mistakes, afraid of failing, afraid of being judged harshly by society, we are afraid of the consequences that can come with taking responsibility.
Blame looks backward, to things you cannot change or control, but responsibility looks to the future, to actions you can take now to change your circumstances. Blame can turn you into an angry and negative person, however, it's impossible to be negative and accept responsibility simultaneously. By shifting your focus to the future and taking charge of your life, you unplug the power source of negative emotions.
A story is told about a woman who was so negative and bitter, that each time she went to the scanning machine, it failed to work. One time after a failed marriage, she bought herself a new car to start a new life, with all her negativity, the brand-new car, on leaving the showroom, burst into flames. Investigations showed that there was no tangible cause of the fire from the brand-new car; it must have been caused by her negativity. It reminds me of some bosses I’ve had in my life 😊.
In conclusion, the more responsibility you accept, the more control you gain over your life. This control extends to physical, financial, and emotional aspects, providing you with a sense of empowerment. With control comes freedom, and with freedom comes positive emotions.
Don't be the one who clings to their suffering or blames others for their woes. Break free from the cycle of negativity by accepting responsibility for your life. As you let go of your burdens, you pave the way for a life full of opportunities, positivity, and boundless joy.
Let’s start by taking responsibility for all our actions and our emotions.
