You may have heard the quote from Wendy Clarricoats, “If it’s meant to be, it’s up to me”.
Very often this statement leads us to question, “Why does it have to be up to me? Why can’t someone else be responsible for a change? Why did I get bogged down with all this?”
Some guru’s call this a “victim mentality”.
What I take from Wendy’s thought is a call to take personal responsibility for myself. Thinking about her approach created a deeper level of understanding and willingness to take responsibility for where I am, who I am and the life I’ve built for myself.
I am responsible for the life I create… no one else.
Wow!
Facing this reality can be harsh. And not everyone who reads this will truly understand on a core level.
Practicing Personal Responsibility
But, if you learn to practice and embrace “If it is going to be, then it’s up to me”, a powerful shift can happen in your life.
For example, start by looking at your behaviours, actions, internal dialogue and environment. What do you notice?
Do you like what you see? Are you happy with who you are?
I encourage you to look at all aspects of your life when taking personal responsibility. That means money, your relationship with others and yourself and the way you live vs. how you would like to live.
Starting Small
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When I first heard this statement, I took a long hard look at what I wanted to change about myself and then made a list. If you start with a small change and work your way up, you’ll easily see how shifting into taking personal responsibility has many benefits and will change your world.
Here are my top four tips for getting your “house” in order:
Responsibility Tip #1: You
This is the most important to start with. Taking personal responsibility for your behaviour is the best gift you can give yourself and those around you. Every situation that crosses your path is an opportunity to grow. My favourite action is when I feel pain, anger or sadness in the pit of my stomach I first stop and ask why….. Take a breath before reacting and ask “Why does this affect me”? And the consider what would I like to see as the outcome of the situation.
Responsibility Tip #2: Money
Sit down, and evaluate where you’re at today. Look at all your outgoing and incoming funds. How does your cash flow effect the way you’re living life?
Responsibility Tip #3: Declutter
Look at each room in your home and work out what you actually need or love and lose the rest. The great news is that you can often sell unwanted items for extra cash to grow your Freedom Fund.
Responsibility Tip #4: Stop Blaming Others
Don’t point the finger at others. Blaming someone else for your actions is the first step to slipping back into your old habits. Time and time again, when a client first comes to us, we hear all the reasons why their current financial situation isn’t their fault. Rather than place blame, take stock of how you approach decision-making. Re-frame your thinking, and you’ll be more aware that you have a choice in how to respond.
What change can you make today to take more responsibility for your actions?
This is a sponsored post by Vikki Morgan. The views expressed in this article are their own. To learn more about Vikki, visit our Specialist Panel.
image credit: Bigstock/alessandroguerriero
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Dr. Tony is the co-founder of MindShift.money and the best-selling author of three books on personal and business finances. Having achieved Financial Freedom at 27, Dr. Tony believes that through Financially Fit Bootcamp and Cash Flow Cure everyone can get there. He has made it his life’s mission to help others live a life where their money works for them—not the other way around.