The Decision is Yours
Music is a powerful tool. At different times, some songs keep buzzing in my mind to the extent that I catch myself unconsciously humming their tunes for a long period. One of those songs is by a Nigerian singer and songwriter – Timaya titled “I can’t kill myself”. My favourite line in that song is the chorus that says “This life I can’t kill myself, I can’t kill myself o…” I think one reason I like the song is because it reminds us that we should not endanger our lives by engaging in activities that are life-threatening, especially in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. I urge you to adhere to the safety precautions advised by health experts and obey the instruction to stay at home except you really need to be out. If you need to be out, please practise social distancing.
I am however aware that some people sing the lines of that song by Timaya not to remind themselves of the need to take precautions but to avoid taking responsibility for the outcomes of their lives.
Today, I am making a call to you; Be Responsible for Your Life.
You might have heard people make statements like; “Oh well, life happens” or “Whatever will be will be.” These statements usually create a mental attitude in us that tend to absolve us from the duty of taking responsibility for our circumstances. It’s like saying we are passive observers in life, sitting in the passenger seat and just going wherever life takes us. But that’s not true. I agree that we cannot control everything that happens in and around us, but taking responsibility can significantly change how you experience life – it can move you from simply reacting to situations to taking charge of your realities.
Interestingly, when we take responsibility for our lives, it has both direct and indirect consequences; our decisions directly affect us personally while they also indirectly affect others and our immediate environment. Whether direct or indirect, it’s important to keep in mind 3 thoughts about taking responsibility as you go along in life.
- Taking Responsibility is Being Proactive
Being proactive means you think ahead about your choices and how they will affect you and others before choosing a line of action. You might need to consider your options, weigh alternatives and make your own decisions in order to achieve your desired outcomes. But ensure you are not just reactive. Always remember the words of Winston Churchill who said: “The price of greatness is responsibility.”
- Taking Responsibility Is a Risk
Jim Rohn made a statement of fact when he said; “You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons or the wind but you can change yourself.” There is no guarantee that life will always go the way you plan and expect; things might go south sometimes but it is always a safer risk to be responsible than leaving everything to chance.
- Taking Responsibility Is a Choice
The Former First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt said “In the long run, we shape our lives…The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” You have to make the choice to take responsibility. It doesn’t happen naturally; you have to be deliberate about taking ownership of your life’s realities. However tough it might be, I challenge you to make that choice today, it’s a pathway to living a value-adding life.
Again, while there is no doubt you cannot control everything that happens to you (inputs), you are 100% responsible for the outcomes (outputs) of your life. So I urge you, don’t live passively.
Remember, You Have One Life to Live, MAKE IT COUNT!
