Unfortunately, we are not born with an understanding of the responsibilities that we should have in our lives. A responsible attitude is something we get as we progress. We get to learn some basic responsibility in school. Then we get more as we age, start to work, make a family… Sometimes, all of that is not enough to make us dependable. Maybe we watched too much TV, had too many good-for-nothing friends, or we simply haven’t paid enough attention. Now, somehow, we are at the time in our lives when every word and action counts – and we are not responsible enough to pull it through.
That is OK. It is a skill you can learn at any point in your life. There are different approaches. For instance, you shape who you are with your actions. You choose whether you will study or play games all day long. You choose to save money or spend it regardlessly. It is all up to you to prove to yourself that you are and can be accountable.
“Man is condemned to be free; because once thrown into the world, he is responsible for everything he does. It is up to you to give [life] a meaning.”
― Jean-Paul Sartre
So, if you reached a point where you are aware you have to become more responsible and reliable, we can give you a few tips on how to achieve your goal.
No more complaints
Too much talking, too little doing. That’s what we see. People who constantly complain about everyone and everything, are usually just big on words. Once you call them out to do something about any of the issues they are raging about, they will be frozen solid. If you are one of these people, we have a better suggestion.
Stop complaining, take things into your own hands. For example, if you dislike how someone is doing a job they have been given, don’t complain to everyone who is willing to listen. Don’t rush out to complain to the person making a mistake; you will just seem frustrated and incapable. Get up, do it yourself, and at the same time, offer guidance to the one who was doing it wrong. This way, you are being a positive force both for yourself and for those surrounding you.
No more excuses
When you make a mistake, you have to own up to it. You can’t keep on transferring the blame to someone or something else forever. It is time to stand behind your actions and admit the real reason for failing to do something. Whenever you come up with another excuse, you are actually saying „I am irresponsible.“ If you can’t keep your word and show up for a meeting or do something for someone, just don’t make the promise. Excuses for such things make you seem like a coward.
You can fix this. Before you open your mouth to accept something, pause for a moment and think – can you really do it properly?
No more procrastination
Being successful means being hard-working. If you want to improve your life, and do more, earn more – you have to put more effort into it. You have to be responsible; there is no other way to make it big.
So, stop wasting precious time on scrolling through social media, browsing the web, hanging on 9gag or simply lying around staring at a wall. Invest that precious time in some better things. Maybe you could clean up your home, finish that project that has been waiting forever, workout, read a book, go for a walk… Do anything, just don’t waste time anymore, because it will lead you nowhere. Instead, spend your extra time creatively, and you will achieve much more.
No more inconsistency
You have to make a routine for yourself. It means you should get yourself in order. If you are employed, try to wake up every day at the same time. Even on weekends, you can keep this pace. It will give you consistency, but it will also make your days seem longer, allowing you to do everything you have to and even enjoy the time off.
No more thoughtless spending
One of the biggest responsibilities, when you grow up, is handling the money. You have to get a job, and for it, you will receive a salary that will have to be enough for you to live from month to month. We know just how easy it is to spend it all on indulging every desire, but here are ways to handle the cash.
Every month, put away at least 10% of what you’ve earned. Pay your bills at the beginning of the month, separate money for food, and what remains you can spend when the next salary arrives. That way you will never be penniless before the month ends.