Committing to Personal Change
Although making a commitment to personal change may be challenging, as Langston Hughes stated, “I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.” Therefore, commitment to personal change requires answering two questions, “where do I want to go” and “how committed am I to get there?” Since we are a summation of our choices, every individual must decide how they show up in life.
How can we achieve self-responsibility? Personal responsibility is owning that things in your life exist because of YOU. Therefore, acknowledge your role in the outcome of your life. In the beginning, God provided everything that Adam and Eve needed, yet He gave them the ability to make choices. After being commanded by God, not to eat fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden, and to not touch it. “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it” (Genesis 3:6). Adam and Eve chose to disobey God however, Adam blamed his wife, and Eve blamed the serpent. Stop placing blame on others, we are responsible for our choices.
I have discovered in life that there are ways of getting almost anywhere you want to go, if you really want to go.
-Langston Huges
Secondly, stop complaining. There are times we all complain. However, when we make a habit of constant complaining, we distract ourselves from making a plan to problem-solve. Instead of complaining, ask yourself “how can I improve the situation?” Again, taking personal responsibility helps us to become aware of our complaining. Being personally aware, puts us in a position to create personal change.
Finally, stop playing the victim. Victims live constantly in a state of self-pity. They tie their shortcomings or misfortunes to someone or something. As a result, they feel out of control, wounded and frustrated. In essence, people who play the victim role, simply have not taken personal responsibility. When we decide to step outside of our comfort zone, and make personal changes, positive change will come. Start unlocking your true potential today.