Responsibility
Responsibility is the act or state of being responsible, accountable, and answerable.
So why is being a person of character related to being a person who is responsible? Well, to be honest, it is one of the main defining characteristics of a person of great character. A person who accepts responsibility for themselves is someone to respect and imitate. A person who accepts personal responsibility knows that they are the reason for where they are in life, and the various areas within their life.
Someone who takes responsibility is keenly aware that the choices they make will directly affect and impact them and their life, and even others beyond themself. They tend to weigh their choices by what is best in the long run, rather than what is more appealing in the short term. Responsible individuals are typically more intentional in what they choose to do, as well as how they choose to do things. They know that what they do, and how they decide to do it, will have a consequence, good or bad.
On the other hand, someone who is not very responsible typically lives in a way that is more carefree, reckless, and less intentional. Sometimes these individuals will have a victim mentality towards life. They think that life is unfair, things just do not ever go their way. However, they fail to realize that in reality, many of their issues and struggles are self-inflicted.
Choosing to be more responsible has several impactful benefits. First, you notice that in life, you are the main source of growth, impact, and results. Second, you realize that your level of intentionality will produce a specific level and kind of results. Third, you cannot control every aspect of life or every circumstance, but how you approach and handle what comes your way, will directly affect you in some way. Your choices and personal effort are your responsibility.
Lack of responsibility will also have results. First, you will feel like a victim. Second, you will feel like life never seems to go your way. Third, you will fail to realize the significance of your choices, attitude, effort, and so much more.
Choosing responsibility or choosing not to be responsible will have huge ramifications for your life. The choice is yours, it always is. Choose wisely. Choose what is best, not what is convenient.