I have trouble buying into the idea that everything that happens to you in your life is the result of choices you have made… and that with properly-focused thoughts you can control your life, your success, your health, and your future. However, I do strongly believe that even though you may not have control over everything that happens to you, you do have control over how you react to situations and events.
- Realize that everything you do has consequences. Try to show good judgement and exercise emotional control in any given situation.
- Stop trying to assign blame when something bad occurs. What has happened has happened… the situation already exists… and it doesn’t do anyone any good to try to pin down who was at fault. Instead, accept, try to forgive and forget, and do what you need to do to get past the moment.
- Forgive yourself. If you’ve made mistakes, admit that they were your fault and make any necessary apologies. Then let it go and move on. Dwelling on mistakes only makes them more important than they should be.
- Don’t keep making excuses, even if you feel the need to explain why you did what you did. Excuses hold you back, and you are not accepting responsibility if you continue to try to justify your actions.
- Try to keep away negative thoughts. Negativity is a drain on your emotions and your intellect. Positive thinking creates positive energy that will help you leave the situation behind and move forward.
- Don’t succumb to the victim mentality. A victim has no power and no control over anything, and that is not the type of person you want to be. Self empowerment has to come from within.
- Admit that you might not be right. Although it may hurt your pride in the short term, acknowledging that you’re wrong can help you see other options and approach the problem or situation in an entirely new direction.
Accepting responsibility for your actions and your life is one of the most important aspects of personal development. Anyone can graciously accept success and good times. It takes a strong character to successfully cope with adversities and failures and still move forward with a positive outlook.
And that’s the type of person we all want to be.