Don’t Be a Victim – Take Charge of Your Life!

It’s really easy for many people to fall into the ‘victim mentality’ and I hear it a lot these days! Now, please realize that I am talking about things over which you have control – like birthday celebrations, weddings, the way you run your business and so on.

“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be!” – Abraham Lincoln

When I first made my major move across the country, it was early summer. My birthday was just a few months away – and I love birthdays! This particular year, my birthday was a bust – and it was all my fault. I sat back and ……waited……waited for phone calls……waited for visits ……waited for…….celebrations….?

When none of that happened, I really feel into a bit of a depression! It was one of the loneliest days I can remember from the past few years. Now, I know that change can be difficult – but what was reinforced for me that day was the fact that we are responsible for our own happiness. I made the decision that day to ensure that future events like that, which are important to me, are planned and celebrated in a way that I would like to experience. I would take charge! Anything else that happens would be a bonus.

“All people want in life is to be validated – to be heard – to know that they matter.” – Oprah Winfrey

The same holds true in your business. We must step up and step out if/when we want to play a bigger game. We can’t sit back and wait for someone else to come along with all the answers – and all the energy!

Here’s what it boils down to, whether in life or in business:

1. Know what you want – have a vision.

2. Make a decision.

3. Create a plan – and work the plan.

4. Your happiness, and your success, are your responsibility.

5. Take accountability – ‘if it’s to be, it’s up to me’.

6. Be happy in the moment.

7. Celebrate – in the way that is special to you.

It is important, both in business and in life, to take charge.

CONCLUSION

It’s easy to fall into the ‘victim mentality’ when things do not go according to the way we think they should. We can develop the habit of thinking ‘poor me’, ‘it’s the economy’, ‘it’s too hard’ – or, we can take charge. If you don’t invent your future, someone else will. What’s your preference?
Where have you given up accountability lately – and what has been the consequence of that choice? Please share your thoughts!

YOUR ASSIGNMENT

1. Have a birthday coming up, or a business milestone? Mark the date and start the planning.
2. Set the intention to celebrate in the style that makes you happy.
3. Reach out and be sure to acknowledge someone’s birthday today – it really does make them feel special, and you will feel good about having done that too.