Personal Accountability.
Interesting topic….
The first thought is about being responsible.
Responsible for your own actions. I think in this it is that we have a choice in everything we do. And we need to make choices that make us better, us happy, improve ourselves.
Yet, and very important, we need to also not take actions that harm others.
Now here is the VITAL part…..
We are also NOT responsible for others, if they have the choice themselves.
If we coerce or manipulate others… in a way that they are harmed.. then it is us who is responsible.
But if we happen to make a choice for us, and it because of that, someone makes their own choice, and they are harmed, then it is not US that is responsible.
For instance, I’m in the car with a couple friends, I’m driving, I’m hungry, I see a drive-thru, I pull in and order, and ask if anybody wants anything.
They all buy a burger and shake.
Then a couple days later, Joe who was with me gets mad at me since he was trying to not eat at Drive-thru restaurants.
Well… that is NOT my responsibility. He made the choice, I did not coerce him, or manipulate him.
Same can be said for having a beer.
Sitting around at the lake in the afternoon with friends, I pull out my cooler to have a beer, and ask around if anyone wants one.
If Sarah has quit drinking, and she decides to take a beer that day… is it my fault?
This goes to so many day to day situations, from work to friends to relationships.
Personal accountability is about your own personal choices.
What you do for YOU!
As long as you are not coercing, manipulating or demanding things of others, then you are within your rights to do what makes you happy.