Throughout life, we often find ourselves tethered to the past. It's easy to fall into the trap of blaming our upbringing, childhood experiences, or the unfairness of life for where we are today.
Coming from humble beginnings in Bolivia, I definitely experienced this. For a while, I fell into the trap of blaming my past for my present circumstances. It was only after looking inward that I realized I was self-sabotaging. I needed to acknowledge my past, never forget it, but also overcome the odds by taking responsibility for my life.
If we want to find real joy and success, we need to take ownership of our present and future by steering our lives in a positive direction, regardless of our past. In this blog, you’ll discover three essential steps to take responsibility for your life.
3 Essential Steps to Take Responsibility for Your Life
Take Ownership of Where You Are & Will Be
Give up dwelling on the past
The past is like a rearview mirror — we need to look at it every now and then, but focusing on it too much can derail us. Instead of dwelling on difficult times from the past, acknowledge them, learn from them, and then shift your focus to where you’re going next so you can take responsibility for your life.
Choose something positive to focus on
Identify the things that bring you joy, no matter how small, and use them as anchors to get through difficult times, taking more responsibility for your life. Shift your mindset towards the positive, and you'll find it easier to attract more positivity.
Set goals
You can also be proactive in finding joy by setting meaningful and achievable goals. Goals provide a roadmap for the future, guiding your actions and decisions. They give you a sense of purpose and direction, helping you stay focused on what truly matters as you take more responsibility for your life.
Make Decisions That Will Bring Your Goals Closer
Event + Response = Outcome (Jack Canfield)
Life is a series of events, but what truly matters is how we respond to them. Jack Canfield often teaches this famous formula to illustrate how we can take responsibility for our lives:
Event + Response = Outcome
We may not always be able to control the events in our lives, but we CAN always control our response, therefore impacting the outcome.
By understanding that our responses shape the outcomes, we gain control over our futures. Cultivate a positive and constructive response to challenges, knowing that every decision contributes to the overall outcome of your life.
FREE MIRROR EXERCISE PRINTOUT
Ready to build your self-esteem? Developing a new discipline is easy with this cheatsheet taped to your mirror.
Ask yourself THIS Question
"Is this choice productive towards my goals, or will it push me farther away from them?"
Before making decisions, evaluate their impact on your goals. Choose actions that align with your aspirations, steering clear of choices that may hinder your progress. Every decision, no matter how small, contributes to your life.
Surround yourself with people who support you
People always say, you are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you. A supportive network can give you the motivation and strength needed to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Leave Blaming Behind
Are you caught in the blaming game?
Blaming life events for our current situation is a common defense mechanism. However, acknowledging this pattern is the first step towards change. Take a moment to reflect on whether you're caught in the blaming game, and consciously choose to break free from it.
Give up all blaming & justifying
Blaming and justifying are roadblocks on the path to happiness. Take 100% responsibility for your life, decisions, and goals. When you stop blaming things you’re unable to control, you reclaim the power to take responsibility for your life.
Take 100% responsibility for you & your goals
If you want to take responsibility for your life, remember that you are the captain of your own ship. This mindset shift is the key to finding happiness, regardless of your circumstances.
Whether you’re searching for success, joy, or something else, it's crucial to break free from our pasts and take charge of our present and future. By taking ownership, making decisions aligned with your goals, and leaving blaming behind, you empower yourself to create a life filled with purpose and fulfillment. Remember, how you respond to the things life throws at you will make all the difference.