Absolute ResponsibilityIt's not how many times you lose, but how many times you keep coming back, persisting. And persistence comes naturally when you accept absolute responsibility for yourself. You should accept absolute responsibility for your life and your success because, as you know, it's not luck, fate, the stars, heredity, circumstances, the economy, the weather, your spouse, your parents or your boss. It is you. You are responsible for what you are and what you will become. To many people, that's threatening. But the truth is, we're all self-made, even though only the successful will admit it. Once you accept absolute responsibility, you'll immediately begin improving. You'll eliminate excuses, you'll decide what kind of experiences you want to have, and you'll become accountable to yourself. You'll also find yourself becoming more persistent, more courageous and more determined. Does accepting total responsibility make sense to you? It did to Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw. Shaw said, "People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want. And if they can't find them, they make them”. There are two days in each week about which we should not worry, two days that should be free from fear and apprehension. One of these days is yesterday, with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders, its aches and pains. Yesterday just passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we performed, and we cannot erase a single word we said. Yesterday is gone. The other day we shouldn't worry about is tomorrow, with its possible adversities, its burdens and large promise. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds, but it will rise, and until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow. This leaves only today, and anyone can fight the battle for just one day. It is only when you add the awful burdens of yesterday and tomorrow, that you break down. It's not the experience of today that drives us mad; it's the remorse about what happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow might bring. The things you're responsible for are your awareness, your attitude, your creativity, your values, your goals, your focus, your use of time, your sense of humor and your commitment. You could also add to this list enthusiasm, persistence, preparation, loyalty, knowledge and service. Those are the things that deserve your time and attention, because those are your responsibilities. Obviously, it's not how many times you lose, BUT how many times you keep coming back and persisting. And persistence comes naturally when you accept absolute responsibility for yourself. Nothing is more enfeebling and demoralizing than discouragement. Jealously, fear and hatred might lead an immature person to act unwisely, to fight or to run away, but at least he does something; he takes some kind of action. But discouragement can cause anyone to stop, sit down and do nothing but wallow in self-pity. The key, then, is action. It's not words; it's action. It's not promises; it's results. It's not what you know; it's what you do. So accept absolute responsibility, and then act, persistently.
- Author Unknown
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