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Content Copyright "Cool Stuff" Media, Inc. 2008
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This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it Email to a friend Whose Life Is It?(Take Responsibility) Recently, Kyle and I went on a surf trip with a group of people and we found ourselves in a surprising situation. Once we all arrived at the bungalow, everyone immediately ran inside. We thought it was odd how the others left their doors open and only grabbed one small item to bring inside when the back of the van was completely filled with supplies.
We assumed they would be right back outside to grab some bags. Unfortunately, we were wrong. Everybody sat on couches while we continued to bring things in. When we asked for a hand, they quickly responded, "I thought everything was inside already." Or "I thought Nick was going to do it." Hmmm . . . not a good sign.
The next challenge was preparing snacks. A few of the guys were hungry, but no one wanted to get up off of the couch to make anything. Curious to see things unfold, I observed the situation.
After some brainstorming, they came up with a simple idea: Pop Tarts. But the problem wasn't solved yet. For about ten minutes they sat and argued about who should prepare them and why. It got to the point where Kyle had to step in and say, "Guys, it's a Pop Tart! Just put it in the toaster!"
To say the least, this left me a little puzzled. It's amazing to see how many people will spend the majority of their time talking about a problem rather than simply taking action. And others seem to expect things to be done for them--almost as though they are simply entitled to a luxurious and convenient lifestyle. Unfortunately, life doesn't work that way. Here's one of the first lessons Kyle and I learned about life in the "real" world: The only thing that comes without effort is old age.
Some people tend to take the easy way out because they get what I call, "pleasures of the now." And we're not pointing fingers--we've sure been guilty of this too! It's natural to seek immediate enjoyment and find a quick fix because it's easier than making sacrifices and commitments. It's easier to shove blame or responsibility onto other people.
There's a great story that illustrates this point well. It's about four people named, Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. One day Everybody was asked to do an important job. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Everybody knew, after all, that Anybody could have done it. But in fact, Nobody did it. Well, Somebody got angry about that, because after all, it was everybody's job.
In truth, Nobody realized Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, because Nobody did what Anybody could have done.
I've noticed a very consistent pattern over the years: Those who are truly satisfied with their life and their accomplishments are those who take charge, take responsibility, and take action. Sadly, these same people tend to be on the endangered species list. (Let's see if we can change that.)
Think about how your decisions today will affect you tomorrow. Here are some questions to consider: - What are three things I have been delaying, ignoring or postponing in my life until this point?
- What are three decisions that if I made today, would dramatically change my life?
- What three actions I can you take right now that will bring me closer to where I most want to be?
You've heard the phrase, "Time waits for no one" . . . well, one thing is for sure: Time WILL pass and you will arrive-the question is: Where? Going through life without taking complete charge of our thoughts and actions is similar to cruising in a car on autopilot-or more realistically, stuck in neutral idling in one place. Take back the steering wheel, take control, and take responsibility.
We are the only ones who can use the talents and abilities we've been given--and that is an awesome responsibility! Make your life exceptional. Make it memorable. Make it happen!
- Kent Healy Next Steps:
- Post a comment in the box below and let me know your thoughts (scroll down)
- Do you want to get the very latest--including inspirational quotes, life-tips, and interesting updates about Kent's crazy journies in the world of publsihing, school, and life in general? Then check out Kent on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Kent_Healy
Would you like to share your thoughts? Kent would love to hear from you:
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Content Copyright "Cool Stuff" Media, Inc. 2008
Reproduction is prohibited without permission
Contact us at:
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