It sounds fairly logical and easy to understand, but how do we do with the execution? What exactly does it mean to take on total responsibility for your own situation? It is often difficult to accept responsibility when something externally happens. Too often we feel powerless and project the responsibility onto others:

- My manager passes me up and does not promote me

- The economic crisis is to blame for our poor sales

- My children rob me of my last drop of patience

- My husband neglects me

- If I had more money, I could …

- The constant rainy weather makes me tired and listless

- etc., etc.

Fact is, life is not always positive, bad times or experiences are part of it, and one cannot control everything. We can’t influence if a volcano spews ash and through that our flight is cancelled, or if our company restructures and I loose my job. If suddenly a loved one passes away it is also difficult to accept the concept of 100% self responsibility because perhaps we are not entirely clear what that exactly means.

Self responsibility – Responds + ability - are two perfect words. It means, I can decide to 100 % how I will respond to a situation or a person. Jack Canfield quotes in his book „The Success Principles“ a formula developed by Dr. Robert Resnick 

E + R = O

( Event + Respons = Outcome)

So it is not external circumstances that decide success, luck or our life but rather our attitude, our reaction and the self responsibility that we are willing to take on – instead of lamenting, becoming a victim or pointing our finger at others. If a high quality education degree would be necessary to become a successful businessman, how then can Richard Branson - who left school without a degree and did not come from well to do circumstances – become founder of the Virgin emporium, own over 100 companies today and have an estimated net worth of $4 billion? How can Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa or Mahatma Ghandi change the world?

In every situation you have the choice – you can say: “that is unfair … why me … I can’t help it”, or you can simply view the situation as a fact and then ask yourself: “… that is the way it is and now what can I do?” That is 100% self responsibility.

What are your thoughts to today’s theme? Write about it here in our  Blog...

Next week you will learn about the 3 choices you always have.

Movie

Inspiring TED Speech about the impact of an "I CAN" attitude tought to kids

http://www.ted.com/talks/kiran_bir_sethi_teaches_kids_to_take_charge.html

Quotes

Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.

George Wahington Carver

All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you.

Dr. Wayne Dyer

To decide, to be at the level of choice, is to take responsibility for your life and to be in control of your life.

Abbie M. Dale