Taking responsibility for our actions and decisions isn’t always easy, but let me tell you… it’s worth it! My last post was about the secrets to happiness, and—surprise! —being responsible makes us happier, too. Owning up to decisions we’ve made in our lives gives us control! And we ALL have room to improve in this area! I know I do!
Taking Control for Yourself
I’m sure y’all have heard the saying, “You can’t change how people treat you or what they say about you. All you can do is change how you react to it.” It’s so true!! We have no power over what other people do. There’s no use getting all worked up about it! The minute you decide to focus on YOUR response to people or events, is when everything changes. No one is making you do anything… it’s your decision on how you respond! Take responsibility for your own actions! It’s the best thing you can do! If you didn’t work out as much as you wanted to this week, just own up to it! Maybe you can blame it on work or family or other commitments, but it’s better for your own mind if you decide to take responsibility! If you aren’t happy with the decision, find a way to change it for next time. Taking responsibility helps put you in a position to grow and move forward! Playing the blame game doesn’t help anyone! And if someone does something that irritates you or upsets you, decide how you want to react and stick to it. You can’t change them, so change your response!
Learning from Mistakes
Mistakes happen every day. We all make them!! There is no shame in making an error as long as you learn from it! Some mistakes are bigger than others… some hurt other people, and some just hurt us. Pay attention to things you want to change! If you hurt someone, apologize and move forward. Don’t dwell!! It’s bad for your health to get anxious about things… especially things you can’t control! If you’ve done all you can to make it right between you and someone you hurt, be confident moving forward. And remember for next time so you don’t do it again! If you made a mistake that only hurt yourself, find out why you made that choice so you can avoid it in the future. Were you worried about how someone might perceive you? Were you trying to manage someone’s expectations of you? Were you trying to fit in to a group? These are all things we can’t control! So be yourself, make decisions that benefit both you and those around you whenever you can, and take responsibility for anything you decide to do! If it doesn’t work, try something else! Aim to solve problems, not create them!! Life is too short to sweat the small stuff.
Don’t Make Assumptions
One way to take responsibility for yourself is by avoiding assumptions about other people. Just because someone did or said something doesn’t mean their intent was exactly what you assume it is. There’s a saying that goes like this: “When you assume, it makes an ass of u and me!” By assuming something about another person, we are trying to take control of something beyond our reach. They might have a meaning behind their actions that is totally different than what you are imagining in your head!! Everyone is different! Give people a chance to explain themselves and see what they really meant. And give yourself the same liberty! When you communicate, do so clearly! Other people may make assumptions about you, but that’s out of your control… remember?? Take responsibility for yourself, and that’s a step in the right direction.
The bottom line is if you want to make a change in your life, be responsible for who you are! Don’t let others dictate your life! If you want to lose ten pounds before Thanksgiving or tone up for Christmas, YOU are the one to take action! Respond the best you can to situations out of reach. And you can live confidently knowing that you are on the path to a happier, healthier life!
Want to take the first step? Try one of my On-Demand classes—I’m adding new ones all the time! Take responsibility and make a choice. You have the power!
Check out my new classes at https://www.laurenfoxondemand.com!
Until next time, xoxo!
Lauren
Get Fit, Foxy and Fabulous, at Home or Away,
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