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The offbeat personal finance blog for responsible people.

100 Words On: Why Personal Responsibility Is the Key to Success

By Len Penzo

Nothing is easier in life than to blame the other guy when we encounter problems. That’s because it takes real courage and integrity to look inward and take responsibility for all of the troubles that are a direct result of our own making. When we take ownership for every decision we make in life, we become powerful in the eyes of others. It also earns us trust and breeds opportunities.

The bottom line: Personal responsibility builds character and begets self-respect. Those who reject it cede control of their lives to others and, as a result, are destined for failure.

Photo Credit: NYCMarines (Official Marine Corps photo by: Cpl. Patrick Fleischman)

17 Comments December 16, 2021

Comments

  1. 1

    Clarisse @ Savvy Scot says

    We are fully responsible for our failure and success. I didn’t get it why some people blame their parents or other person for their failure in life.

    Reply
    • 2

      Len Penzo says

      It’s simple, Clarisse: because they have no concept of personal responsibility!

      Reply
  2. 3

    Ramona says

    Years ago I was blaming my employer for my bad situation. The wages weren’t getting bigger, we were working more hours etc.

    My then boyfriend (husband today) told me that I should stop blaming others for my shortcomings. I had to seek more opportunities to earn money and become more ’employable’.

    In few months I also got a web design job (paying twice as my radio job did) and then moved to another station that paid as both previous employers did.

    Then I started working more seriously on my small web design business and have been self-employed for 6 years.

    The moment I stopped blaming the ‘world’ and seeking solutions, I started doing better.

    It’s tough, but it’s worth it.

    Reply
    • 4

      Len Penzo says

      It sure is, Ramona. As you discovered, we make our own good fortune in life. Thanks for sharing your story!

      Reply
  3. 5

    RD Blakeslee says

    “those who believe in personal responsibility are often unfairly accused of being heartless”

    Nobody is better at this than a member of the contemporary “woke” mob. Trying to put a guilty label on you is a primary tactic they use to decry the plight of the “victimhood”.

    Reply
  4. 6

    bill says

    If the “woke” ever wake up, they’ll find out they were asleep when they were conned.

    Personal responsibility not only empowers you but you can learn from your mistakes. “Nope. Not doing that again.”.

    I ate fruitcake once. I held myself personally responsible for it. I didn’t do it again.

    Reply
  5. 7

    Len Penzo says

    Ah ha ha ha! You got a million of ’em, Bill! (Fruitcake jokes … not fruitcakes.)

    Reply

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