The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

FOR quite a number of folks the very idea of having any kind of responsibility makes them uneasy. 

Therefore, you can imagine that actually embracing responsibility brings up even more anxiety. As such, most people will answer today’s question with a resounding, ‘No!’ 

Not only are they not embracing responsibility, they have little awareness of the hidden value that such an embrace offers their lives.

Having a deep appreciation and personal sense of responsibility is uncommon. People tend to duck and dodge responsibility for many reasons. Chief amongst them is the fear fuelled by the lack of self-confidence. 

Often times, it is not having the confidence to handle responsibility that leads to people not being responsible. The irony here is, until you step up to own your sense of responsibility, especially for your life, you can’t realise the elasticity that stretches your capacity and build confidence. When you to lean into your capacity to respond to life challenges, you increase your responsibility currency.

Here is another perspective: a vast number of people are unemployed not because they cannot find work, but mainly because they have no meaningful relationship with responsibility. 

In the working world, such responsibility plays out in useful ways. Like showing up to work not on time but ahead of time; showing up prepared and being productive. Taking the initiative and completing tasks outside of your ordinary duties. I believe that responsibility is the precursor to outstanding personal performance. 

Those who learn to embrace responsibility will find many opportunities to be employed. Companies and businesses everywhere are in dire need of employees who embrace responsibility. 

In my over 25 years in the working world, my career excelled because I learned early of the importance of a quality relationship with responsibility. 

What I found was the more responsibility I accepted, the more it seemed to produce opportunities for me to act responsibly. 

It is a form of self-empowerment and this is the point of embracing responsibility. It teaches you valuable skills and strengthens your ability to respond with confidence. 

Responsibility has always been one of my favourite words.  It’s sentimental value comes from being one of the first ‘big’ words my mother taught me at an early age. She helped me to realise that taking responsibility for household chores and looking after younger siblings was not only a special part of growing up, but also a great lesson for life. 

Having a quality relationship with responsibility also enhances your communication and leadership skills. 

What is the status of your relationship with responsibility? Are you embracing responsibility for your life or just sitting on the dock of the bay waiting for somebody to make your life to happen? 

There is a reason and purpose for each of our lives. You are no exception. Your life is not a mishap. It is your responsibility to find the reason and purpose for your life. I suggest you start by embracing responsibility.

You don’t need anyone’s approval to live the life you love. Embracing responsibility allows you to give yourself permission to chase your dreams.

Leader to leader, you are the captain of your ship. You can take your life in any direction that you desire. You are responsible for your life – whether you choose to accept it is up to you. 

Make today the day that you embrace responsibility as the key step to living the life that you love.

What do you think? 

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach and leadership expert. Questions or comments can be sent to e-mail coaching242@yahoo.com or call 429-6770 and visit www.michellemmiller.com; snail mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.