To take responsibility or not? That is the question.

So often when things happen, we have two choices. Take responsibility or put it off on someone else. To clarify this it has to be when you ARE responsible for what has happened in part or in whole or are the one in charge. I have seen this while working with the public, in the workplace, in relationships, in churches, with politicians. Pretty much everywhere.

To put the responsibility off on another is a disservice to yourself and to whomever you placed it on. So many times the truth will come out and you will look so much the..... (you can fill that in for whatever word fits). If consequences are a result then you have to live with yourself for causing them and allowing another to take the fall. Then there is the possibility that it will be investigated and the truth will find its way to the forefront. The results are a lingering effect and often times you have to live with it for the rest of your life, negatively.

When you accept responsibility a different outlook shows itself. You are looked at as a person of integrity. Good, bad, or ugly, no matter, people will say that you stood tall, accepted all that comes from it and you will gain respect. To be respected in your actions is one of the greatest validations a person can obtain. One other thing to consider when accepting responsibility, once it is out and over with you are able to move on.

Continually moving forward is what we want to do in life. To always be looking back over your shoulder, wondering, is not how we want to live. Not accepting responsibility sets us back, keeps our eyes out of focus on the current and the future. We lose respect from others and we are always having to work harder making sure we do things correctly. Life can be difficult enough without putting more pressure on ourselves. Accepting responsibility shows an inner self confidence that knows we can make up for any negative in our life. This gives us the knowledge that others respect us and know that we have integrity and can keep the trust and confidence of others no matter the situation.