Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
Current Mood: It’s those darn allergies again.
Current Song: a ghazal or four.
I have been thinking a lot about responsibility and “owning it” these days. It’s the kind of headspace I’m in at the moment. Then I read (as happens rather serendipitously) this post by Elisa about being the author of your own life. I noted that beyond anything else, the overarching theme in such posts has been the concept of accountability. In other words, owning your actions and taking responsibility for the trajectory of your own life.
This is something that I struggle with at times. Not that I have a sense of entitlement and think that I somehow deserve to be showered with good things. I was brought up in a strongly faith-based household (they’re rather faithful; I am a little wayward) and as such, we heard a lot of the phrase “leave it to God.”
Is this somehow wrong? No, probably not. I don’t think it’s means “leave all of it to God.” Rather it seems to entail doing your best to get out of situations you don’t like, and into ones that are better suited – to use some sort of human agency to get to where you need to be – and hope that other things fall into place because of your ability to be accountable.
Credit: Creative Commons
I hear a lot of people complain about how they don’t like where they are, and why can’t it be different, and why does it all have to suck all the time. To that I say, stop being a princess and take some small action every day to change that perception.
It’s still something I struggle with, but I figure if I don’t make strides to change it, I have no right to complain about it. For anyone who has owned anything before, you know that ownership comes with responsibility. And being accountable for your actions, successes and failures is about the only way I can think of to move forward. Things are never static, and for that we can be grateful; but to actually steer the course of your life, you have to be behind the wheel. I choose to take responsibility for myself. Do you?
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
Comments
09.01.10
You put it perfectly! Some people do sit around and wait for things to happen and don't put forth any effort and then wonder why it's not happening.
Yes, I deciding to take responsibility for myself.
And, I'm loving, "stop being a princess and take some small action every day to change...." I'm so going to use that, soon.
09.01.10
Yes! I've been thinking the same thing lately. Less complaining and more action on my part. You either let things happen to you or you make things happen for yourself. Can't blame the outcome if you didn't do anything to begin with. Sigh, I blame my complacency for not trying harder. Thanks for the reminder!
09.02.10
Mehnaz,
Great article. You have to take responsibility to succeed.
In regards to "leave it to God", I think your parents are talking about the things you can't change or affect. For example, when someone cuts me off and almost run me off the road, it makes me angry but then I let it go because changing that person is not something I can do but I can control how it affects me. It makes me feel better to "leave it to God" and that one day that person will reap their consequences.
I can then move on and focus on my life. That is the one thing I can control, myself.
09.02.10
ChaChanna - we all need a reminder sometimes. There is a time and place for sympathy, and then there are the moments you JUST have to suck it up :) Thanks for commenting!
Jennifer - it's never too late to change your situation. That's sort of the great thing about life - there is always an option of bettering your lot. I try and look for those chances as often as I can.
Kim - you're exactly right. The trick is to know the difference between when you can affect change and when you can't. When you can't, it's best to come to terms with it. When you can, it's best not to use higher powers as an excuse for staying put. We can only be helped insomuch as we take some effort to move forward.
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
|
|
|
