Responsibility refers to taking action towards the things you need to do, and whether good or bad, accepting the consequences of the actions or inaction you failed to take. Responsibility means that we have the ability to reflect on our situation and recognize where and how we contribute to events in our lives. It is deciding on how to act and make any real change.
Blame is the opposite of responsibility. It is attributing your misfortune to something or someone else to avoid taking responsibility for your actions. It is believing that we do not have the power to change anything and that others are more capable than us. As a result, we may not be able to identify opportunities and remain stuck in the frustration and anxiety of our situation.
If we want to live on our own terms, gain inner peace, and think clearly and confidently, taking responsibility is a necessary condition.
Taking responsibility for your life means, you:
- control where you dedicate your attention, energy and time
- associate selectively with people who are open-minded, empathetic, good-natured and supportive
- take care of your body and health
- manage emotions and thoughts and learn to check the validity of your beliefs
- learn to trust your intuition (not prejudices!)
- consider possible options and without striving for perfection.
Responsibility helps us gain ownership of our lives. Additionally, we:
- enhance self-confidence
- increase motivation
- strengthen our creativity
- help reduce stress and overwhelm
- trust our choices and decisions
The next time you feel something is happening around you -or inside you, do not start blaming yourself, other people or situations. Stop, observe what happened and take responsibility for creating a better path for you and other people. The more you take responsibility for your life, the more joy and control you will experience.
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References
Χατζηδημητρίου, Σ. (2019). Προσωπική ευθύνη: εφιάλτης ή μέσο αυτοεξέλιξης και θεραπείας; https://www.psychology.gr/psychotherapy-counselling/317-atomiki-efthini.html ανακτηθέν στις 03.02.2022
Murphy, T. J. (2013). “Encouraging Client Responsibility”. In Carlson, Jon; Slavik, Steven (eds.). Techniques in Adlerian Psychology. Taylor & Francis.
Napper, P. Rao, A. (2019). How to Develop Your Sense of Agency https://www.mindful.org/seven-ways-to-develop-personal-agency/ ανακτηθέν στις 03.02.2022
Nelson-Jones, R. (2010). “Existential Therapy”. Theory and Practice of Counselling and Therapy. SAGE.
Rosenthal, E. C. (2006). The Era of Choice: The Ability to Choose and Its Transformation of Contemporary Life. MIT Press.
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