"When a team takes ownership of its problems, the problem gets solved. It is true on the battlefield, it is true in business, and it is true in life." ~ Jocko Willink
This quote resonated with me because change can only happen when we take ownership of our life. While there are endless factors we have no control over there are countless tiny moments we do have control.
Yet, too often we spend our time talking about, thinking about and focusing on what ins't working or who's fault it is that we aren't living our ultimate life. Until we own the course of our life we can not control the direction in which it is moving.
Below are my top 3 things you need to stop doing if you want to create change in your life.
Playing the role of the victim. Life is not now, nor has it ever been, nor will it ever be, fair. While there are countless ways we may feel the world, life and circumstances are against us, there is always someone who sees us having it better than them. So own where you are in this moment. Find that which you can be grateful for and decide what you are willing to do, sacrifice and work for to make the changes you want. Only then will you actually begin to create proactive change in your life.
Waiting for the perfect moment. There are no perfect moments because life is constantly changing and so much is outside our control. Take action from where you are today. No matter how small. Find a way to start working towards the change you want to bring about in your life if only making the effort to write it down and make a plan. Get a clear vision and look for the opportunities to continue to move in the direction of the change you want.
Coming up with excuses. One of my biggest regrets is always the excuses I make to myself about why I didn't take action. Why I put something off. Why the timing wasn't right. There is no end to excuses until the end. Then we realize all those moments we were thinking up reasons why our life wasn't going in the direction we want and we realize, it was all our fault. We focused on "why it wouldn't work" rather than making the effort and adjusting until we got it to work.
In closing here is an example of taking ownership of the change you want in your life. If I take ownership of my part in my relationship with my family I can then change the way I communicate and interact with my family. I may not be able to change them, however, I can change my approach, expectation and effort and thereby change my relationship. I have the power to also change others by changing the way I am with them.
What are you excuses for not taking ownership of your life?