Why is it important to take ownership instead of WAITING for things to change?
When you take ownership, you are in the drivers seat of your life. There is no one better than you to determine what is right/good/best for you.
When you leave it in others hands, a few things may happen
- You may be given opportunity you don’t want
- You may be waiting a very long time to get what you want (if it ever comes)
- You may be working against the very thing you want by focusing on what has not happened yet
When you take ownership, here is what could happen
- You get more of what you want, because you determined it and are working toward it day to day
- You go much farther in life because you are taking an active role in your life instead of a passive one
- Your life is richer and fuller!
How do you Take Ownership?
- Determine what you want – not what you feel you should do/have, but what you truly want for your life – how you want to be, what you want to have and do
- Decide what you have full control over – which of your wants can happen without anyone else having to do/be anything, without any circumstances being any different. What can happen immediately once you put your mind to it, decide it and do it
- Understand where you have influence – how, by changing your approach, your behavior, your interactions – you can influence those around you which can get you closer to what it is you truly want
- Make no excuses – no blaming others or circumstances for what you don’t have
- Set daily intentions – ways you will be, things you will do each day toward the things you want
Example
You want to have a happier life, and you decide one of your wants is to be more connected with other people. Where you have full control is how you interact with others (how open, friendly and social you are). When you behave the way you want, that influences how others see you, which can change how they engage with you. Your daily actions may include smiling at everyone you meet or asking your colleagues what they did last weekend.
How will you being taking ownership of your life?