Many of us yearn to improve our lives.
We want to elevate our circumstances and find a sense of contentment. But here’s the catch: our lives don’t magically improve on their own. To truly better our lives, we must embrace responsibility and take the action needed to improve it.
Yet so few of us do.
It’s easier.
Responsibility requires effort. A conscious choice to take control of our lives rather than passively accept them as they are. It’s easier to coast along, letting the currents of life carry us where they may. After all, our ancestors fought for liberty and the freedom to choose our paths, yet we often take these privileges for granted.
Leverage your freedom of choice.
Responsibility gives you a vote
Not taking responsibility, is putting our future in the hands of others.
Taking responsibility, however, grants us a vital vote. It gives us the power to influence our lives positively. A chance for significant improvement.
When you’re dissatisfied with:
- Your job
- Your financial situation
- Your physical well-being
- Your stress levels
- Or want to improve your charisma (LINK)
You have two options:
Option 1: Do as always. Continue down the same path. Hope that things will get better on their own. The chance for a better life will come. Right?!
Option 2: Take responsibility for everything. Use your vote. Control the direction of your life. Take the action needed to improve it.
Why wait and hope?
Sometimes it seems like our lives are beyond our control
Choose option 2.
If you’re not advancing in your career as you’d like, don’t blame your boss. Take responsibility:
- Improve your skills
- Communicate your aspirations more effectively or explore new opportunities
- In my experience, responsibility at work is not granted; it’s seized
If you’re struggling financially, don’t point fingers at the economy. Take responsibility:
- Make a budget and learn how to save more money
- Find ways to increase your income
- Enhance your financial literacy
If you’re unhappy with your health, don’t lay blame on a busy schedule or genetics. Take responsibility:
- Plan your meals or prepare dinner in advance
- Avoid smartphone breaks, and go for a walk instead
- Prioritize exercising and live a longer, healthier life
If you’re often stressed, don’t blame a jam-packed calendar. Take responsibility:
- Dedicate time to meditation and practice gratitude
- Learn to say no when necessary
- Ask for help when required
If you don’t have charisma, don’t blame a lack of confidence. Take responsibility and read this story:
Final thoughts
Nothing worth having comes easy.
We often seek solutions outside ourselves, but the true power to find contentment lies within us. Remember, the journey to a better life starts with a simple decision: the decision to take responsibility. Responsibility is quite literally the freedom of choice. The choice to affect the outcomes in our lives.
Your life is your own, and you have the ability to make it extraordinary.
Ultimately, the choice is yours.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
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Photo credit: Joshua Earle on Unsplash
