It's all about me

"It's all about me!" What are the first thoughts that come into your head when you hear that phrase. Is it the self-absorbed teenage girl depicted on most of today's sitcoms, or someone in your office who has the mistaken idea that they are at the center of the universe?

For just a minute I want to throw a positive spin on focusing on yourself. What if it's all about me = personal responsibility. If I want to get ahead in this world, make a difference, or leave a legacy then it's all about me. I can no longer blame my boss, my spouse or some cosmic forces in the universe for the bad things that happen, or my inability to transcend adversity.

Let me give you a simple example most of us can understand. I want to lose some weight and get in better shape this year. I have used all the excuses most common to the failed dieter. "I am too busy to exercise" or "we keep too much junk food in the house" or "I don't get any support from my friends and family." No, it falls on me. I have plenty of time for my favorite television shows. It is possible to push away from the table, or avoid the pantry at 1:00 AM and my weight and health are my responsibility. Help and encouragement are great, but I can't use others as a crutch for my own failure to act.

I am going to try an experiment this week and see what happens. This week it's all about me!  It's about the decisions I make, the choices in life, and the discipline to put best before better and better before good. It is a very busy week and I have more to accomplish than I care to think about, but I am committed to make this week all about me and take responsibility for whatever comes my way.

Accepting Responsibility

"I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom."  Bob Dylan

I used to think that it was prudent to exercise restraint in most situations, but that philosophy of life is sure to get you stepped on. There are times you need to confront the idiots, ideologues and irresponsible people who are perfectly content to dump their garbage in your front yard.

I really don't have a problem with confrontation anymore. What does irritate me are people who think that you shouldn't have to take responsibility for the stands you take.  If you are going to get in someone's face, confront an issue at the office, or in your church, or just chew out someone who get's on your nerves, then understand there is a price to pay.

So next time you think, "I sure would love to give him/her a piece of my mind." Go for it!, but don't expect to recieve candy on Valentine's Day, or use them as a reference on your resume. Stand up for what you believe is right - then be willing to take the fallout that comes from being a person of principle.

Trent Wheeler