“You are responsible for exactly who, what, and where you are in life. That will be just as true this time next year.”
~ Kekich Credo #58

What This Quote Means to Business:
This statement comes from a list of statements that David Kekich created to help him become successful. He was. And many business owners make reading and meditating upon the statements in the credo an integral part of their lives.

This particular statement struck me, in part, because when things aren’t going well, it is easy to blame others. But you need to keep in mind that you are responsible for where you are — always. You made decisions that led you to this place. No matter how much it may feel that you are the victim of outer circumstances, you are still responsible for where you are and how you respond.

This important idea was expressed very well in Andy Andrews’ book The Traveler’s Gift, which I’m currently reading. The book shares the seven decisions that determine personal success woven into a fictional tale. Self-responsibility is the first decision for success.

In this novel, a man named David finds himself in a spiraling downfall financially and it is affecting his relationship with his wife and child. In a moment of great despair he gets in a car accident and wakes up to find himself in the Oval Office and face-to-face with President Truman.

Truman councils him thus: “David, we are all in situations of our own choosing. Our thinking creates a pathway to success or failure. By disclaiming responsibility for our present, we crush the prospect of an incredible future that might have been ours.”

He further explains, “I am saying that outside influences are not responsible for where you are mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally or financially. You have chosen the pathway to your present destination. The responsibility for your situation is yours.”

Yes, it can be hard to admit your responsibility for whatever bad may be happening in your life. But it is empowering, too. For, if you are responsible for getting yourself in a mess, you are also empowered to get yourself out. Think of this: If someone or something else is doing this to you, you are at their mercy and have no power. But if you did this to yourself, you can simple decide to stop and change things.

That’s powerful stuff!

Now Its Your Turn:
Have you started taking responsibility for your life? How has this helped you? What has helped you take that responsibility? Are you not taking responsibility for your life and how it is hurting you? Share your ideas, insights and advice in a comment below.

Resources:

• Kekich’s Credo: You can download a PDF of the Credo from Joe Polish here.
• The Traveler’s Gift: Grab it in paperback, hardback or Kindle at Amazon.com.