Adrian Volenik
Many people who want to start taking responsibility in life don’t really know where to start. In essence, they know what they’re supposed to do, but what they lack is a road map.
However, before they start doing things, they first have to stop doing the things that are detrimental to them.
From ghosting responsibilities to procrastinating and ignoring self-care, there are many habits they need to weed out first.
And that’s where this article comes in. In it, I’ll show you precisely what things you need to stop doing if you really want to start taking responsibility in life.
So, let’s begin!
1) Settling for the comfort zone
The comfort zone is a cozy bubble, but growth happens when you step out of it. Trying new things, facing fears, and embracing discomfort are the catalysts for personal development.
When you start doing these things, you realize that your potential is often just outside that snug comfort bubble.
For example, I want to start a YouTube channel. But at the same time, I’m also terrified of talking in front of the camera. That’s why, one day, I simply turned on the phone and started talking to the lens.
I did this for a whole month to make myself more comfortable in front of the camera. That way, when I’m ready to start a YouTube channel, I already have a head start, and my first 10, 20, or even 50 videos won’t look like garbage because of my insecurity.
This brings us to this:
2) Procrastinating like it’s a sport
Procrastination is the art of delaying tasks, often fueled by the illusion of having more time.
You’re pretending responsibilities don’t exist, hoping they’ll vanish into thin air. Spoiler alert: they won’t.
It’s like a cozy trap that seems harmless until deadlines start breathing down your neck. Don’t be fooled – everyone struggles with this. The only difference is how much.
Instead of falling into this abyss, break down your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Tackling them one by one makes the mountain seem like a series of conquerable hills.
In the example of starting a YouTube channel, you’d break tasks into writing a script, creating a shot list, shooting the video, editing it, and uploading it.
Of course, this is a simplified version. But you get the gist of it. You just need to break down the job into smaller assignments.
Whether it’s a looming work project or that pile of laundry, face it head-on. Procrastination only adds unnecessary weight to your mental load.
3) Avoiding tough convos
Sweeping issues under the rug is a temporary fix with long-term consequences. Many people avoid having uncomfortable conversations.
But communication is the bridge that connects people. It’s better to build bridges than let walls grow.
So, if you’re facing a tough convo about your future, money, health, or relationship, know that you can’t outrun these issues, you can only delay them.
And what happens when they catch up to you? You either resolve them or face the consequences.
4) Neglecting the money talk
This is just too important not to expand on a bit more. Almost no one likes talking about money, budgeting, saving, and spending it responsibly.
For many, spending money is one of the ways they relieve stress. They buy stuff they don’t need but get instant gratification in return.
But finances are the unsung hero of stress creators. Budgeting isn’t just for the financially savvy. It’s a life skill.
If you want to be responsible, keep tabs on your income, expenses, and savings. It’s not about being Scrooge; it’s about financial peace of mind.
5) Playing the blame game
The blame game is a never-ending loop of pointing fingers without resolution. Imagine you’re part of a team working on a project, and things don’t go as planned.
Blaming others might sound like, “It’s their fault. They didn’t do their part.” Taking responsibility would be acknowledging your part, saying, “I could have communicated better or spotted potential issues earlier.”
That way, you’re looking at your role and finding ways to improve for next time.
So, shift the focus from blame to accountability. Understand the role you played, learn from it, and channel that energy into positive change. It’s a game-changer in personal growth.
6) Skipping the learning curve
Another mistake many people make is stopping to learn new things after they leave high school or college.
Learning new things brings up so many bad memories for them that they simply don’t want to do it anymore.
Now, whenever they face a difficult challenge or something with a steep learning curve, they avoid it like a plague.
Responsible people embrace each experience, even the challenging ones. They know that growth happens when you’re open to learning.
So, don’t shy away from the learning curve. Ride it like a wave toward a more enlightened you.
7) Neglecting a sense of purpose
For the longest time, I just couldn’t find a purpose in life. This held me back for so many years that I now realize I should have spent more time thinking about it more deeply.
You see, without a sense of purpose, you’re just going through life aimlessly.
That’s why finding your purpose is like discovering your North Star. It gives direction to your journey.
Whether it’s a career path, a creative pursuit, or a cause you’re passionate about, having a sense of purpose infuses your life with meaning and fulfillment.
8) Ignoring self-care and health signals
Another thing I learned the hard way is that I was ignoring self-care and worrying health signals for far too long.
I kept burying myself in so much work that I neglected almost every other aspect of my life, especially my health.
Needless to say, this came back to bite me in the ass.
Your body is a messenger, and ignoring its signals is like hitting snooze on an alarm. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and exercise are investments in your long-term health. Your body deserves the TLC; don’t let it be the neglected hero of your story.
On the other side, self-care is the oxygen mask for your well-being. It’s more than just pampering.
It’s about recognizing when your mind and body need a breather. Responsible people prioritize sleep, nourish their bodies with good food, and indulge in activities that bring them genuine joy.
Take a page from their book: It’s not selfish; it’s an investment.
9) Living in the past
Living in the past is like driving forward while staring into the rearview mirror. Sure, you can do it for some time, but sooner or later, you’re going to hit the wall.
Like many people, I have my regrets. I made some decisions I’m not so proud of, but I genuinely believe they shaped me into the person I am today.
I had an incredible journey, and now that I look back, I realize that I actually wouldn’t change a thing.
Without making some of these questionable life decisions that were kind of risky, I’d probably live a miserable life and think about what-ifs all the time.
In other words, I’d still live in the past. But the thing is, some risks do pay off. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but they do.
If you want to be a responsible person, learn from your history, but don’t let it dictate your present or future.
Each day is a blank canvas; paint it with the colors of today and tomorrow, not the shades of yesterday.
10) Neglecting relationships
Life is an unpredictable rollercoaster, and having a solid support system can be a lifesaver.
Neglecting relationships means missing out on the emotional backing that friends and family can provide during challenging times.
For me, each connection gives me an opportunity to step into someone else’s shoes, broadening my perspective.
Through interactions, we learn, grow, and become better versions of ourselves.
My advice is to invest time and effort into your connections. After all, life is a collective experience, and shared moments make it truly extraordinary.
Final thoughts
So tell me, what’s your pain point? Are you procrastinating, not learning enough new things, still finding your sense of purpose, or you’re living in the past?
Perhaps it’s none of these. On the other hand, it could be all of them. But whatever’s stopping you from taking responsibility in life, know that you need to take it step by step and day by day.
No one was born perfect, and we’re all work in progress.
