October 29, 2013

ISIQ-0292

“A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.” – John Burroughs

There are so many things blasting through my head right now, after what was, frankly, a shocking evening in our household. Out of all the “stuff” in my head right now, none of it is uplifting or useful, except the single reason I chose this quote for myself.

I chose this quote because it reminds me to be responsible for myself, and to look at failure as a temporary obstacle, not a state of mind. I am also reminded to avoid blaming others at all costs.

I aim to live by the principle of “Universal Responsibility”. That is, I am responsible for everything in my life. My finances, my relationships, my work, my fitness, my mental state, my kids (and their behaviour!), everything.

To take this approach is frightening and empowering. The buck both starts and stops with me. The minute I start to blame external conditions, I give away my power. I start shrinking, and losing my ability to be useful.

“The economy is bad.” “It’s all their fault.” “It’s out of my control.”

These are violently disempowering statements, yet they are phrases we hear all the time. Don’t let yourself say these things… because this is the start of blaming others.

What would your life look like if you took full responsibility for everything in your life? 

Let me know.

With love,
Israel. xo

 

 

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}