In reading other’s opinions on how to solve a particular problem, you’ll notice one solution that’s glaringly absent, and that is personal responsibility. It doesn’t matter what the problem is or who is offering the advice, the solution rarely includes personal responsibility. It is my opinion that most of our problems can be solved by personal initiative.
Let’s look at an example that applies to everyone, our childhood. Many people will point to that as a reason for whatever problem they are currently experiencing. The truth of the matter is, we all didn’t start even. But just like the poker player, we have to learn to play the hand we’re dealt. If we do, just like the expert poker player, we can win with less than the best hand. When was the last time you heard a pundit say that?
When you think about it, every time we make an excuse, we are attempting to avoid responsibility. In the Marine Corps, the Drill Instructors had a saying about excuses that isn’t appropriate for this forum, but it had to do with body parts and odor. At the root of all excuses is basically, “it’s not my fault.” Conversely, every time we refuse to blame, we accept responsibility.
The funny thing is, when we accept responsibility, we usually feel better about ourselves. Sure, there could be some negative ramifications to deal with in the short term, but in the long term, accepting responsibility is a character builder.
Responsibility doesn’t always have to be about major issues either. Although I don’t always feel like writing this email and few if any people would care if I didn’t, I take the responsibility to write one every week. And while that doesn’t make me a good person, it does make me feel good about myself.
You knew where this was leading, right? The decision to procure life insurance is a responsible one. It is generally done with someone else in mind. Sure, it could end up benefitting us, but that would normally entail a change in circumstances and not the primary reason it was bought.
Let’s face it, there are countless things we would prefer to spend our money on other than life insurance. But if we want to be responsible, and life insurance is needed in our particular situation, well then we have forego those preferable expenditures.
I don’t want to sound like I’m preaching, because I’ve made plenty of irresponsible decisions in my life. But the key to life is to always try to do better. We may slip occasionally, but the continual effort counts for something.
To illustrate how personal responsibility can contribute to one’s growth, I’ll close with a quote from the author Joan Didion. “The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs.”