What is Responsibility?

In my previous posts, I mentioned a lot about taking care of my kids everyday, bring them to school, cook for them, etc, and it is not an easy job. Most will probably say, that is my responsibility as a father. But then, what exactly is "Responsibility"?

Hmm, I decided to look up The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language for an exact meaning of Responsibility. Here is the definition:

re·spon·si·bil·i·ty

n. pl. re·spon·si·bil·i·ties

1. The state, quality, or fact of being responsible.

2. Something for which one is responsible; a duty, obligation, or burden.

Hmmm, that says it all. "one is responsible; a duty, obligation, or burden". I supposed, the "one" is basically me. So, that means I have a duty that is obliged to complete the job. But, it also says a burden. Huh? A burden?? Hmmm, let me read a little bit more on the dictionary.....

"The obligation to carry forward an assigned task to a successful conclusion. With responsibility goes authority to direct and take the necessary action to ensure success."

Oh ok, so, I guess it basically says it is a tough job, a task or duty that must be done in order to reach a successful conclusion. Probably have to go through some hardship before we can have a successful life. That makes sense.

So I decided to search through the web for a little more details, and find out why taking responsibility is important.

One needs to realize that, taking 100% responsibility of his/her life, is a starting point for all great success and achievements.

Then, what is the effect of not being responsible?
A successful person looks upon him/herself as the cause of what happens in his/her life. He/She understands that he/she is in full control and where he/she is today is a direct reflection of his/her actions in the past.

Responsibility = Control , No Responsibility = No Control

Here is an excerpt i gathered from one of the "Self Improvement Tips" website.

"We feel good about ourselves to the degree in which we feel in complete control of our lives. When we blame other people or things for the way out life is, we loose that control, and with that loss comes a feeling of helplessness and negativity.

If you are able to fully accept responsibility for your life and stop blaming external factors for the way things turn out, you will automatically shed that feeling of helplessness and negativity.

In turn, this will be replaced with a feeling of control, confidence and high self esteem. Everything you need to be successful in life.

Just remember that where you are today is a result of your actions in the past. therefore, your future will be a result of what you do today.

Make sure you understand this and start accepting full responsibility for your life today, so that you can create the future you want for tomorrow."


Hmmm, this has certainly brighten up my day ! Hope you have a good day too...