Friday thoughts on GROWTH #4 Ownership

All that I am I shall own myself

Taking ownership of our actions is crucial for several reasons:

Personal Growth: It encourages self-reflection and learning from our experiences, leading to personal development.

Accountability: It fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability, which is essential for building trust in personal and professional relationships.

Empowerment: When we take ownership, we empower ourselves to make changes and take control of our lives, rather than feeling like victims of circumstance.

Integrity: It demonstrates integrity, showing that we stand by our actions and decisions, which earns respect from others.

Problem-Solving: It enables us to address problems directly and constructively, rather than avoiding them or blaming others.

People may avoid taking ownership for various reasons. Here are some common factors:

Lack of Interest: Some individuals may not be engaged by their life, work or responsibilities outside of it, viewing their roles as merely jobs rather than opportunities for involvement or passion.

Avoidance of Responsibility: There can be a reluctance to take on the additional responsibility that comes with ownership, especially if it means facing potential criticism or consequences for mistakes.

Lack of Awareness: People might not realise they’re not taking ownership because they don’t recognize the impact of their actions or understand the expectations set for them.

Skill Deficit: Without the necessary skills or knowledge, individuals may feel incapable of taking ownership, leading to avoidance of tasks or decisions.

Fear of Failure: The fear of making mistakes or failing can paralise action and discourage people from stepping up and taking ownership.

Culture: A culture that doesn’t encourage or reward ownership can lead to members feeling unmotivated to go beyond their basic roles in life.

Understanding these reasons can help address the underlying issues and encourage a culture of ownership and accountability.

When working with many individuals I always encourage them to take total ownership of all they are. Acceptance of the status quo is essential for any meaningful change to happen. When we become aware, accept and embrace who we are and what we do, we can then make decisions about what is useful, what is not so useful and what needs to go!

In essence, taking ownership of our actions is about being proactive and responsible, which leads to a more fulfilling and effective life.

You always seek to control others when you are not in full ownership of yourself