According to authors B. J. Gallagher and Steve Ventura, here are the ten most important words of personal responsibility:
The 10 most important words: I won’t wait for others to take the first step.
The 9 most important words: If it is to be, it’s up to me.
The 8 most important words: If not me, who? If not now, when?
The 7 most important words: Let me take a shot at it.
The 6 most important words: I will not pass the buck.
The 5 most important words: You can count on me.
The 4 most important words: It IS my job!
The 3 most important words: Just do it!
The 2 most important words: I will.
The most important word: Me
— from Who Are “They”, Anyway?
I’ve been a fan of Simple Truths for years. I just got this in this morning’s mail and immediately thought of the impending midterm elections. The concept of personal responsibility seems to have very little in common with those currently in office. I think it’s time to remind them all.
I know of no other more effective solution to any business or corporation than for everyone involved to begin with the premise that they are personally responsible.
So are you.
So am I.
“For what?” Your own individual trek toward personal and spiritual excellence.
No government entity, no corporation, business, bank account or church can do that for you.
And God won’t.
It really is in your hands.
“Personal responsibility, hunh?”
Yep. And think what a difference it would make were we all to begin operating according to that rule.
What happens in my heart, mind, spirit, life and every relationship that exists is solidly in my hands. Better life? Better job? Better friends? Better habits? Expecting others to produce those things and then blaming them when it doesn’t happen is like expecting my dappled miniature dachshund, Buddy, to learn Klingon.
Say it with me….
“It is up to me.”
The bit from Simple Truths carries its own copyright.
Loving you,
Dan
© D. Dean Boone, October 2014