5. Guidelines for Becoming Responsible

Guidelines on how to achieve this:

-          Set goals: it's important to know what we are doing something for. Having a sense of purpose and direction helps us to be consistent and to keep doing our duty. If you think the goal is long-term, set small goals to achieve it. Write them down. It seems silly, but writing them down on paper makes them real. If they are only in your head, if you don't keep them to yourself, nobody will know. Writing down your goals can help you be more accountable!

-          Objectivity: Make a list of things that are within your control. Your focus should be on these aspects, because what is out of your control is not your responsibility.

-          Routine: organise yourself better. If you have a routine, you will always know what to do. But not only that, sometimes it helps to know how long you have to push yourself.

-          Reward yourself: this is where inner attributes come into play. If you have achieved what you proposed, why not recognise it? This is your moment, honour yourself.

-          Be honest with yourself: did you fail? Was it up to you to have a different outcome? Take responsibility, accept the consequences and analyse what you could have done differently? How would you improve it on another occasion?

-          Share your plans: take your brother, your mum or your best friend and tell them what you're going to do, when you're going to do it and how you're going to do it... Also let him know that you expect him to ask how? You can't run away anymore, you have to comply!

-          Operationalise: this means that the things you can take responsibility for are actions.  

Act quickly: this means that the things for which you can take responsibility are actions.

There is no magic formula that helps us become more responsible. However, responsibility can be learned.

If you want to accomplish your goals, duties, and commitments, you primarily need inclination and motivation.

For example, organizing your room, submitting a project, preparing food, or giving a compliment. These are specific actions you can take responsibility for and commit to completing, but you cannot take responsibility for the outcomes. For instance, whether the lecturer gives you an A, whether the food is liked by others, or whether the compliment is well-received. That’s not up to you. Therefore, focus on activities and tasks that you have the resources and inclination to complete, and take them on!

Becoming a responsible person won’t happen overnight. Moreover, it requires effort and commitment. Remember, the key to success is consistency.

Focus and pursue it.