In this month’s newsletter article, we are talking about taking responsibility. In Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Susan wrote about taking responsibility for not only our “experiences in life,” but even more importantly for our “experiences of life.” She talks about the Seven Definitions of Responsibility to help us do that. Here are all seven definitions that will help you take control of your own feelings. Keep this list handy to help you remember how to take control of your own experiences, especially when the world is getting you down.
Seven Ways to Reclaim Your Power
1. Avoid casting blame on an external force for your bad feelings about life. Nothing outside yourself can control your thinking or your actions.
2. Avoid blaming yourself for not being in control. You are doing the best you can, and you are on the way to reclaiming your power.
3. Be aware of when and where you play the victim role. Learn the clues that tell you that you are not being responsible for what you are being, having, doing, or feeling.
4. Familiarize yourself with your biggest enemy—your Chatterbox. Use the exercises throughout this book to replace it with a loving internal friend.
5. Figure out the payoffs that keep you “stuck.” Paradoxically, once you find them, you will probably be able to quickly become “unstuck.”
6. Determine what you want in life and act on it. Stop waiting for someone to give it to you. You’ll be waiting a long time.
7. Be aware of the many choices you have—in both actions and feelings—in any situation that comes your way. Choose the path that contributes to your growth and makes you feel at peace with yourself and others.