Own yourself

We make choices every second of every single day that we are alive. It’s a simple fact. There must be a bajillion choices and decisions we make every day. And…the funny thing about choices is that they ALL have consequences.

Consequences…now THAT’S a word that has a negative connotation. :-)

But it really isn’t a bad word. In fact…our friend Mr. Webster says that consequences are something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions. WOW…that really helps doesn’t it? ^%$%$* Webster.

So…consequences…in my definition are simply the results of choices. They are both good and bad, dependent upon the choices made.

I think that works a little better. Don’t you?

So, by now, I’m sure that you’re wondering…what is he talking about today?? Choices…consequences…and the accountability that we all have for ourselves.

Accountability…that’s another wicked little word isn’t it? It’s one of those words that strikes fear into most people.  We all hate accountability, simply because we associate it with the pain of our choices. That and the fact that as humans we like to blame everyone else except ourselves.

Now, don’t stop reading…I’m not going to make this a slam on people for lacks of accountability. I don’t think anyone needs ANOTHER one of those. We take enough beatings every day anyways.

My thought today is on how to make accountability more a part of your life. How CAN you break from tradition and start to accept your own personal accountability for your own choices.

I believe that personal accountability is just like anything else…it’s a habit. One that needs to be cultivated and grown just like any other. Now, most of us currently have the bad habit of avoiding personal accountability. And why shouldn’t we? We laugh about it, it’s a joke, and we watch the world respond in a similar manner. Hell, even our own government and Presidential candidates don’t take personal responsibility for their own choices. We call it the “Blame Game” and it seems that everyone plays it.

So tell me…how’s that working for you? Is your life better because of it? Or is it a source of stress, frustration, and pain for you? My money’s on the last one.

Sure, being an accountable human being DOES mean that when you screw up and make a mistake, you have to feel the bad consequences of that choice. But…and listen close here…THAT IS NOT A REASON TO NOT BE ACCOUNTABLE! YOU are the one making the choices…therefore; YOU are the one responsible for its results.

Now…I’m trying to get everyone living a Heroic Life. So, someone name me a Hero that wasn’t accountable for his actions. Yes, some of them STARTED by trying to avoid responsibility however, in the end they solidly accepted responsibility for their actions. And THAT is when they fully succeed in their quests. No one will ever be able to live a full Heroic Life without accepting the consequences of their choices. It is an impossibility.

So…how do you start being accountable for your choices? First…you need to be completely honest ABOUT your choices. And then be willing to stand up and say, “Yes…I did that.” I know that that is probably the hardest part of this whole thing. Especially when you make a mistake. So, remember something for me…YOU ARE NOT YOUR MISTAKES! No matter what anyone wants to tell you. Everyone makes mistakes and wrong choices; it’s a part of being a human. YOU are no different.

Hold on to your core and believe in yourself. Let the bad consequences go and deal with them, then move on. Remember the good consequences; they will help you make it through. And above all…know that you are a better person by owning all of yourself…your choices included.

I believe in you. Choose well, my friends. :-)