Liv Walde
We’ve all met those people who, when they open up (which is very rare), seem to have been through the trenches.
Yet, they also have an uncanny ability to take life’s punches on the chin and keep pushing forward. You’re in awe, really.
No blame or pointing fingers,, no excuses, just pure, hardy resilience and ownership of their circumstances.
But what exactly sets these individuals apart? And what might we learn from their steely nature?
To learn more, we’ll delve into the 11 telltale signs that you’re someone who takes full responsibility for everything that happens to you in life, no questions asked.
And who knows – maybe you’ll discover you’re far hardier than you thought.
1) You don’t play the blame game
With a shrug of the shoulders and a “whodunnit?” expression, it’s far easier to point fingers at others when things go awry and slip away from consequences unscathed.
It’s even easier to blame circumstances, luck, or fate.
But if you’re someone to whom the idea of shifting blame is appalling, who instead takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you’re doing far better than the majority.
Instead of wasting energy blaming others, you focus on what you could have done differently and how you can learn from the situation, to not repeat it in the future.
You recognize that every experience, good or bad, is an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
2) You embrace failure
For many people, failure is such a terrifying prospect, they’d rather run and hide and avoid trying than face up to it at all.
But if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything in your life, your perspective on failure is entirely different. You see it not as a dead-end, but as a stepping stone to success.
You understand that failure is a crucial part of the learning process, and that each mistake brings you one step closer to achieving your goals.
So, instead of shying away from potential failure, you know much it can teach you so you embrace it and use it as a tool for growth.
3) You avoid overplanning
In a world that values meticulous planning and predictability, this might seem like a surprise.
And by this, I’m not saying to bin the diary and the organizer tomorrow.
However, if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you understand the importance of flexibility.
You know that overplanning (and overthinking) can often lead to disappointment when things don’t go as expected. So instead, you focus on setting clear goals and being open to various paths to achieve them.
You recognize that life is unpredictable, and being both flexible and adaptable is key to navigating its twists and turns successfully.
4) You don’t shy away from difficult conversations
Communicating effectively, especially when it comes to difficult conversations, is a hallmark sign of someone who takes personal responsibility.
You understand that avoiding these discussions altogether can easily lead to miscommunication and unresolved issues.
So you face these conversations head-on, you take charge of the situation and you work towards a resolution.
You have endless patience and a truly open mind when navigating interpersonal relationships, so whether it’s a small misunderstanding or a larger conflict, you’re not afraid to step up, speak openly, and address the issue.
5) You are not a prisoner of your past
It’s easy to get stuck in the past, reliving old mistakes, regretting missed opportunities, or mourning lost relationships.
The past is also valuable; it has many lessons to teach us, and is a treasure trove of memories.
But if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you don’t allow your past to hold total control over your future.
You understand that dwelling on what has been and what cannot be changed is not productive at all.
So instead, you learn from your past experiences and use them as a foundation to make better decisions and take more informed actions in the present and future.
You are not defined by your past, but by how you respond to it.
6) You know that Rome wasn’t built in a day
So you have patience in enjoying the journey and not getting exasperated at the time it takes to get there.
With your eyes set on the long-term, you don’t get discouraged by slow progress or minor setbacks.
Instead of rushing towards immediate gratification (and making far more errors in the process), you invest time and effort into laying a strong, quality foundation and building upon it – piece by piece.
You know that every step you take, no matter how small, is a step towards your ultimate goal.
Plus, you enjoy the journey and watching the view go by, almost as much as the taste of success.
7) You understand the power of forgiveness
Harboring grudges and holding onto bitterness can weigh heavy on your heart.
If you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you comprehend the liberating power of forgiveness.
You know that by forgiving others, and more importantly yourself, you are not condoning how they have wronged you nor saying it’s okay.
But, you are freeing yourself from the burden of resentment.
And the value of this you hold dear, understanding that forgiveness is a gift to yourself which helps you move forward with more peace, grace, and strength.
8) You’re not afraid to admit when you’re wrong
It’s uncomfortable, it’s humbling, and it’s something many of us try to avoid – admitting we’re wrong. Not unlike our first point, it’s easy to try and wriggle free from blame and try to point fingers at something (or someone) else.
But if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you understand that being wrong is part of being human.
You don’t let pride get in the way of acknowledging your mistakes. After all, we all make them.
Instead, you see these moments as opportunities to learn, grow and improve.
9) You don’t rely on others for your happiness
It’s a lovely experience, to share joy with others.
But if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you know that your happiness ultimately comes from within.
It’s a practice of radical self-love, even on days where you glance in the mirror and narrow your eyes at your reflection.
Yet, you remain kind to that doppelganger staring back. You know that you walk through life holding their hand, hence why you don’t depend on external factors or other people to make you happy.
Instead, you find joy in your achievements, contentment in your growth, and satisfaction in overcoming your challenges.
10) You are proactive, not reactive
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, but if you’re someone who takes responsibility for everything that happens to you, you don’t simply react to these situations.
You’ll never be caught losing your temper or freaking out over minor things. Instead, you proactively plan, prepare for potential challenges, and weather them like a great tree bowing with the wind (but never breaking.)
By anticipating different scenarios, and having a game plan in place, you are better equipped to navigate any hurdles that come your way.
And it’s this highly proactive mindset that allows you to maintain control over your life and circumstances, instead of being controlled by them.
11) You practice self-care
Accompanying the self-love we mentioned above, you know that taking responsibility for everything that happens to you isn’t just about tackling external challenges; it also involves taking care of your internal well-being.
Hence why you understand the importance of maintaining a healthy body and a healthy mind, and prioritize them diligently.
Whether it’s regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, or mindfulness practices like meditation, you prioritize these aspects of self-care because you know that a healthy self is essential to effectively handle life’s responsibilities.
By taking care of yourself, you ensure that you’re at your best to take on whatever life throws your way.
