personal responsibility essay examples

Personal Responsibility Essay

Looking for an essay on personal responsibility as a student or an office worker? Or want to know more about the importance of being a responsible person? Find here a free short personal responsibility essay to get inspired!

Thesis Statement

Introduction.

• Importance of Personal Responsibility
• Personal Responsibility Strategies

Personal responsibility results to increase in the rate of success and decrease in examination cheating among the students in schools.

The word personal responsibility is the self-awareness of a person towards success of one’s life. It is also being aware of the initial goal of one’s life hence doing everything towards one’s own progress, to attain ones initial plan. Different people can define personal responsibility differently but one of the major definitions is that it is an attempt to use your own effort to be successful in everything.

The responsible person is the one who can make decisions and face the consequences of those decisions without complaining. One is responsible in life if he or she can be able to progress in life by abstaining anything, which might not be useful. Making such decisions need a strong person whose focus is purely in God and his ability to work in life without affecting anyone around negatively (Reiss, 2010).

The main aim of personal responsibility is to be able to show forth and even express the inner most beauty in visible ways, by responding to the issues of life and express your genuine love towards yourself and other people. The main aim of one’s personal responsibility is to ensure that the environment can also benefit from the gift of your appearance in that particular place or the society.

Making ones personal responsibility relies mainly on the people who want to ensure total success in everything they are doing. It also takes one’s self to be able to motivate own self to pursue a goal that seems difficult for people or even which people might neglect due to the vices that they are doing.

Importance of Personal Responsibility for a Student

There is correlation between personal responsibility of the student and their success in college. This relationship exists because personal responsibility directly affects issues that are pertinent to one’s life such as family, education, relationships as well as physical and spiritual well-being of an individual. Personal responsibility determines the success of the student in college for a number of reasons (Chester, 2008).

The first reason is self-discipline or self-control. Personal responsibility is the ability to be in control of one’s life in terms of emotions and actions. Students who do not have personal responsibility concerning their lives are prone to influences of doing what others are doing without proper reasons because they simply shift the blame on others when things do not go as they were expected. This lack of self-control comes about because any individual without a sense of personal responsibility will always be irresponsible.

A student without personal responsibility will blame the lecturer for failing in the exam. On the other hand, a student who has personal responsibility will not blame the lecture for the failure rather the student will critically analyze the reasons behind his failure and decide that they have a responsibility to pass. This explains why students who have a sense of personal responsibility have higher scores than those without personal responsibility (Bourbon, 1994).

Students who know that their actions affect others are also sensitive to the needs of others. They know when they have hurt someone and they are quick to apologize. If they wrong a teacher, they are likely to apologize. This endears them to both their fellow students and to their teachers.

This harmonious coexistence with others because of taking personal responsibility creates inner peace and concentration required by the mind for study purposes. Therefore, a student who has personal responsibility is likely to understand concepts better than a student who is at loggerheads with everyone (Chester, 2008).

Peer pressure as a factor that wields huge influence on the college students seems not to have a major effect on students who have a sense of responsibility. Personal responsibility dictates that one’s actions have consequences even when acted in a group setting.

Drug abuse, which often starts in a group setting, is not likely to affect a student who has a personal responsibility over his or her actions. This means that students who are personally responsible for their lives are unlikely to be involved in drug abuse, which negatively affects one academic performance (Chester, 2008).

The other factor that makes the student who takes personal responsibility to succeed in college more than those who do not take personal responsibility is that they do not allow circumstances to hinder their progress in life. They have a high sense of self-esteem or self worth, which makes them to confront issues critically rather than emotionally.

Students who feel that they are not in control pity themselves when they have issues to deal with in their lives thus affecting their physical health negatively. This may lead to absenteeism from classes and even suicidal cases (Chester, 2008).

Students who are aware of the word personal responsibility also manage to delay gratification. Delay of gratification is simply the ability to deny oneself pleasure in pursuit of a particular goal.

Personal responsibility enables the student to stick out or to persevere in pursuit of academic excellence thereby delaying the enjoyment of pleasures, which may affect the concentration, or peace of mind in pursuit of excellence.

They delay gratification of pleasures such as drug use, sexual relationships, and hooliganism known to affect student’s academic performance (Bourbon, 1994).

Personal Responsibility Strategies for Success

As a student, one should ensure that all the work given does not go to waste by ensuring that all people around do not copy the assignments but rather do their own work as commanded by the lecturers or professors. Copying of other student’s work robs the student competency and the necessary self-confidence required at work as well as circumstances outside college.

This will be a great stride in personal responsibility by personally handling one assignment, as it will give the student a chance to have mastery of the topic in an honest manner.

One should also ensure that the area surrounding the school is always clean and ready for use by anyone who wants to learn and all students can breathe the right air as required by the education policies. Commitment to the environment is imperative in promoting personal responsibility not only over oneself but also on the environment at large (Bourbon, 1994).

Personal timetable that will assist to manage time during study hours and to reduce time wastage during other activities is very important. One should also ensure timely completion of the school projects to avoid being at loggerheads with the lecturers.

This is because the recognition that time is a resource, it is precious, and it is out of order to waste it is the beginning of personal development (Bourbon, 1994).

There is a need to ensure that the people around are able to learn about self-responsibility and its advantages by setting a good example to them. This is because personal responsibility involves having responsibility on not only ones actions but also reviewing ones plans and goals all the time for better performance.

Goal setting enables one to review their personal progress. Goals also provide a sense of purpose to a student as they focus on ones actions and activities towards one major goal. One should break down those goals into daily goals, monthly goals and yearly goals.

Personal responsibility is an important aspect of human life. It is even more important when the student learns personal responsibility early in life. The apathy, accidents, and laziness, which lead to lower standards of living, are preventable if the students learn early in life to exercise responsibility over their own lives.

The world would certainly be a better place if the blame games stopped and people took responsibility over their actions. This change can start from the school especially if teachers take as their responsibility to instill a culture of taking responsibility among students.

Performance of college students therefore directly relates to the student’s ability to take personal responsibility over their lives. Although there is no direct correlation between college grades and success in life, there is direct correlation between the ability to take responsibility in life and to succeed elsewhere.

One of the best environments to nurture personal responsibility in one’s life is in college and students in college should take it upon themselves to ensure that they not only score better grades in life but they have also mastered the art of self responsibility which will propel them to higher heights of life.

Bourbon, T. (1994). Discipline at home and at school . New York: Brandt.

This book is about Perceptual control theory PCT on how perceptions determine actions. This theory looks into what happens in the classroom and how teachers try to bring in discipline to the students based on their perceptions.

The student on the other hand has his or her perceptions about what discipline is. This book looks into human behavioral system on how perceptions affect habit and performance of students in the classroom. Thomas Walter Bourbon is a retired professor of psychology who focused his study on physiology and human perceptions.

He has worked with medical research institutions to develop the perceptual control theory into an alternative science. He is now a consultant with various schools and colleges on how they may apply the perception control theory to deal with behavioral problems in school, homes, and in clinical settings.

Chester, C. (2008). Building classroom discipline. Boston: Pearson Education.

This book is indeed helpful to teachers who wish to understand how to model discipline in their classrooms. It looks into the various ways and models of doing this in a way that involves the student.

It shows the impact of discipline on students and how to motivate students in self-responsibility. It also delves into the new ways and trends in the application of classroom discipline. This book is helpful to beginner teachers and teachers in colleges in handling adult students.

Charles Chester the author of the book is a professor in San Diego University and he has many awards accorded to him due to his contribution in the field of classroom discipline. Due to his wealth of experience in classroom, teaching his work is worth of study.

Reiss, S. (2010). What happened to personal responsibility? Chicago, Journal of Psychology (8).

This journal article is a critique on the education system as well as the society as a whole for their failure to instill personal responsibility in the life of students.

Institutions are the ones blamed for individual failures. The author gives an example where if a student fails in the exam or caught cheating in national exams, it is not the student who is to blame but the education system. This kind of attitude irks the author as he questions the kind of society, which we are building without taking responsibility for the consequences of one’s actions.

Steven Reiss is a contributor and a commentator on social issues in the Journal of Psychology today. He teaches psychology in Ohio State University. His research on human motivation makes his work on issues of discipline and personal responsibility authentic.

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Essays About Responsibility: Top 12 Examples and Prompts

We can’t take on the challenge of life without responsibility; If you are writing essays about responsibility, discover our guide below.

The word responsibility describes the state of being accountable for our actions and is one of the main elements that make us human. We are not born with it; instead, it is something to be exercised and improved on over time.

It has often been said that with power or freedom comes responsibility, which could not be more truthful. Each of us is gifted with the ability to make choices, and we are considered superior to all other living things on this planet. However, we have to make informed choices and be responsible for our actions, whether to ourselves, the people around us, and our environment.

5 Top Essay Examples

1. the value of responsibility by simon baker, 2. freedom is not the lack of constraint, but the exercise of responsibility by beulah west, 3. why responsibility is so important by steve rose.

• 4.  The Beneifts of Being Responsible by Frank Terzo
• 5. ​​What It’s like to Feel Responsible for Everything by Duncan Riach

1. The Importance of Responsibility

2. dealing with false responsibility, 3. freedom and responsibility, 4. what is social responsibility, 5. what are your responsibilities, 6. responsibility as a component of success, 7. a time you acted responsibly.

“It’s easy for us to become blinkered or out-of-touch when we’re constantly working with our heads down. Although meeting our commitments is hugely important we bear another responsibility, that is to invest in ourselves and in each other. When we can free our imagination and refresh our minds, we restore perspective and reduce stress. We find time and space to explore new ways to collaborate, be creative and enjoy ourselves to the benefit of our mission.”

Baker writes about why he thinks responsibility is important and discusses factors related to responsibility, namely trust, personal choice, and freedom. A feeling of trust allows you to be more comfortable accepting responsibility, while responsibility allows us to maximize personal choice and freedom. Most importantly, bearing responsibility means freeing our minds, enjoying life, and coming up with great ideas. 

“A lack of constraint means that you can not do everything that you want. In a perfect world this would be fine, but we don’t live in a perfect world. However everyone’s view of a perfect world is different, if this coincides with the law and you are happy, then you can be free still living under laws and legislations. If you believe that freedom is making your own choices then the only way that we can be “free” is if society does not exist.”

West discusses how just as personal freedom is vital to a healthy society, so is accountability for our actions. Freedom also has a negative side; it can be described as a lack of constraint in our choices. Without constraint, our actions may hurt others or even ourselves. Therefore, it must come with the responsibility to make these choices from a more thoughtful, educated perspective. 

You might also be interested in our list of essays about effective leadership . You can also check out these articles and essays about attitude .

“Taking responsibility creates long term resilience and a sense of purpose. This sense of purpose can be fostered by taking responsibility for one’s self by engaging in self-care. Responsibility can also be developed on a familial and societal level, offering a sense of purpose proportional to your ability to contribute your unique abilities.”

Rose explores the importance of being responsible for one’s health. It gives us a sense of purpose and helps us build resilience; however, we must first be responsible for ourselves by practicing self-care. This includes resting, exercising, taking breaks, and going to the doctor if something is bothering us. This makes us more responsible for the people around us, allowing us to perform different societal roles. You might be inspired by these essays about success and essays about overcoming challenges .

4.   The Beneifts of Being Responsible by Frank Terzo

“If we take care of our commitments, even if it something we might like to ignore, we feel better about ourselves. Each step we take towards being responsible and productive helps to raise our self-esteem and our relationships with friends, family and co-workers improve ten-fold. Being responsible pays big dividends – we have much less stress and chaos in our lives and we gain the respect of others.”

In this short essay, Terzo provides insight into the many benefits responsibility can provide you with. We must always be responsible, even if we might not feel like it, because it can improve our productivity, self-esteem, relationships with others, and overall peace. Though it might not always be easy, responsibility is key to achieving a happy life. 

5. ​​ What It’s like to Feel Responsible for Everything by Duncan Riach

“I hold responsibility when others are not taking responsibility. I was holding all of the responsibility, guilt, and shame that Billy McFarland was disowning. It’s a survival mechanism that I developed when I was a child. I had a step-father who was some form of psychopath or malignant narcissist, a person who was completely out of control and completely irresponsible. The only way that I could feel safe in that environment was to try to hold the responsibility myself.”

Riach reflects on a habit by which he constantly felt responsible for things out of his control, things as minor as events he saw on television. He developed this habit due to his upbringing- his childhood and family life were less than ideal. He is fully aware of his problem but still struggles with it. His case is an excellent example of false responsibility. 

6 Writing Prompts on Essays About Responsibility

Responsibility is, without a doubt, essential, but how important is it really? Reflect on the meaning of responsibility and explain its importance. Discuss this from a practical and personal standpoint; combine personal experience and research as the basis for your points. 

False responsibility is an attitude by which one feels responsible for things they are not. This is a widespread issue that encompasses everyone, from humble workers to some of the most influential people in the world. For your essay, research this phenomenon, then define it and explain why it occurs. Give suggestions on how one can identify false responsibility and work to stop feeling that way. 

The topics of freedom and personal responsibility are deeply intertwined; for freedom to work correctly, there must be a certain level of responsibility instilled in people so society can function correctly. In your essay, discuss these two concepts and their connection. Do proper research on this topic, then conclude this issue: are we responsible enough to be given total freedom? You may also link this to topics such as the law and regulations. You might be inspired by these essays about goals .

Social Responsibility seems straightforward and self-defining, but it is broad, especially with society putting a higher value on awareness, community, and social justice. Research this term and its history and discuss it in your essay; define and explain it, then describe what it means. 

Whether in your studies or at work, as a family member, friend, or even a member of society, we have a unique set of responsibilities that vary depending on the person. Reflect on the different roles you play in life and decide what your responsibilities are. Briefly describe each one and explain how you fulfill these responsibilities. You can also check out these essays about conflict .

This value is important because it is present in all successful individuals. Based on your opinions and research, discuss the relationship between responsibility, success, and some other factors or traits that influence success. Give examples of successful people who have shown responsibility, such as government officials, celebrities, and business leaders. 

When we are responsible, we are pretty proud of ourselves most of the time. Think of an experience you are most proud of in which you acted responsibly. Retell the story, reflect on how you felt, and explain why it is important- be as detailed as possible. Or, you may opt to do the opposite, telling the story of a time you did not show responsibility and thinking of what you would do if given a chance to repeat it. 

Grammarly is one of our top grammar checkers. Find out why in this Grammarly review . Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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27 Responsibility Examples (Personal, Ethical, Professional)

Responsibility means you are trustworthy, dependable, and able to take ownership of a task or project and see it through to completion.

There are many types of responsibility, such as:

• Personal – Personal responsibility refers to doing things in your personal life that set you up well for the future and doesn’t cause harm to you personally.
• Professional – Professional responsibility refers to being responsible in your workplace and trustworthy for your employer.
• Ethical – A catch-all for any example of responsibility that involves moral and ethical dimensions.
• Economic – Managing finances in ways that do not over-extend your budget or get you into unsustainable debt.
• Social – Living in a way that is respectful to your community and that treats others the way you would like to be treated (To go deeper, see our article on examples of corporate social responsibility ).
• Environmental – Being responsible with the environment to leave it in good shape for future generations.

In this article, I’ll present 27 real-life examples of responsibility to help stimulate your thinking about how to demonstrate responsibility in a resume or interview.

27 Examples of Responsibility

1. fiscal conservatism.

Type: Economic

Being conservative with your money is responsible because it will prevent debt, default, and future economic pain.

This can include always spending less than you earn, saving up an emergency fund, and choosing not to make an expensive purchase that you don’t need.

2. Strong Work Ethic

Type: Professional

Work ethic refers to your ability to work hard and with integrity . It’s a highly desirable workforce skill.

By contrast, a person with poor work ethic will be seen as an irresponsible employee because they will slack off when not being micro-managed and not be trustworthy in the workplace.

3. Helping people in need

Type: Social

Helping others is an example of social responsibility. It shows that you have a sense of responsibility to your peers, colleagues, and fellow citizens; and that you care about your impact on those around you.

To demonstrate this type of responsibility, you can volunteer in the community or even just do small random acts of kindness.

4. Recycling

Type: Environmental

Caring for the environment through practices like recycling is responsible because it means the environment will be put on a more sustainable footing for future generations.

This is a simple act of responsibility that you can integrate into your life – simply by getting a recycling bin and throwing your trash into the right bin.

5. Doing the right thing when nobody is looking

Type: Ethical

Ethically responsible people will behave fairly, ethically, and with integrity even when nobody is looking.

For example, when nobody is looking and you know you can get away with it, you might be tempted to cheat on an exam or take something from a store that you didn’t pay for.

In these situations, the ethically responsible thing to do is to behave in the way you would if someone was looking.

6. Being trusted to operate a store alone

An extension of the above example, this example is common in the workplace: an employer looks for a responsible employee who can be trusted to look after company assets without supervision.

I recall, for example, that in my first job as a service station attendant, I was given the job of doing the night shift when I turned 17 because I had proven to the boss that I could be responsible working in the store without my manager present.

7. Self-control

Type: Personal

A person who has self-control is able to delay gratification and remain focused on their goals. An irresponsible person, on the other hand, will not have self-control and likely fail to meet many of their goals.

For example, studying daily in the lead-up to your exams is the responsible thing to do but many students choose not to do it because they lack self-control.

8. Not showing favoritism

A boss or teacher who doesn’t show favoritism is considered responsible. They maintain their professional integrity and trustworthiness .

By contrast, nepotism and favoritism are seen as irresponsible behaviors that can lead to inefficiency in business and government, and injustice in society.

9. Meeting Productivity Targets

Meeting productivity targets shows that you take your responsibilities at work seriously and that you can be relied upon and trusted to do what you say.

If you meet your targets in your performance reviews, you’ll get a reputation for being responsible, trustworthy, and reliable. This will help when you ask for a raise or promotion!

See Also: Self-Performance Review Examples

10. Fixing your mistakes

Type: Ethical and Professional

A person who fixes their mistakes is considered to be doing the responsible thing. For example, if you drop the milk and it spills all over the kitchen floor, it’s your job to wipe it up.

By contrast, if a person makes a mistake and then pretends it wasn’t them, we’d consider it to be an irresponsible act.

11. Contributing to a Team

It’s frustrating to work with irresponsible team members. These are the team members who fail to complete their assigned tasks in time, which harms the rest of the group.

Similarly, sometimes a team member will not pull their weight in a team, leaving the more responsible team members to pull more than their fair share of the weight.

In both situations, we can see how an irresponsible person in a team can cause harm to everyone else on the team.

12. Volunteering

Choosing to volunteer some of your time to a cause you care about shows a level of social responsibility. It demonstrates how you take your obligation to your community seriously.

Here, I’ve noted volunteering as a type of social responsibility. This would involve volunteering to the poor or needy. But if you volunteer your time for the environment, we might consider this to be a type of environmental responsibility.

13. Punctuality

Etiquette regarding punctuality varies from country to country, but in the business world, being on time is a must.

Showing up late shows a lack of respect for other people’s time, and effective time management is a crucial responsibility in most careers.

It may also have negative effects upon your workplace such as lost productivity or failed business deals, meaning this irresponsible behavior may lead to the loss of your job.

14. Professional development

Ultimately, each person is responsible for their success or failure. Engaging in personal development is a strong indicator of a belief in personal responsibility.

For example, you might do ongoing studies, keep up to date in your industry by listening to industry podcasts, or attend professional development sessions at work .

15. Managing business budgets

Budgeting or approving purchasing decisions effectively demonstrates financial responsibility. This is often a skill required of managers, accountants, and bursaries.

Often, an accountant, bursary, or bookkeeper will need to demonstrate exceptional skill and responsibility in managing budgets in order to get a job in a higher-up or higher-income firm.

16. Training or teaching team members

Teaching or training others shows that you can accept responsibility as a team leader for the education of your team.

This is necessary for a leader because it shows that you do what you can to ensure your team is as effective as possible.

You could use the example in an interview if you’re applying for a career where collaboration and teamwork play a role, or where you’re expected to be a leader.

17. Donating to charity

Similar to volunteering, charitable donations show that you feel a social responsibility to your community.

One way to do this is to donate to an effective algorithm fund. Effective altruism is a type of donation that ensures every dollar is efficiently used and as effective as possible.

Alternately, some religious people may choose to tithe, meaning giving a percentage of your salary to your church or its charities.

18. Meeting deadlines

In some careers, you will have strict deadlines, and it’s your responsibility to meet those deadlines. Finishing your work before agreed-upon deadlines show that an employer can trust you with business-critical responsibilities.

Thus, demonstrating responsibility may mean that you can show a track record of meeting deadline in the workplace (or at university) – and use this in an interview as proof of your professional responsibility.

19. Environmentalism

Feeling some responsibility to improve the world around you is a sign of maturity and empathy . Like the earlier example of recycling, environmentalism means ensuring you are a responsible steward of the earth.

But this can be more than just recycling. You could convert your house to green energy, decrease your consumption, or even take up a more environmentally-friendly diet.

Depending on your career choice, listing your time spent supporting various causes on a resume could be a good call.

20. Apologizing when you’re wrong

A sincere apology is a sign that you accept responsibility for your actions, even when you get things wrong.

As a parent, I take this one seriously when around my children. I want my children to know that it’s okay to apologize and actually the right – and responsible – thing to do. So, if I make a mistake in front of my children, I want to treat it like a learning experience and show them how to apologize honorably.

21. Investing

Type: Economic & Personal

Investing is a form of delayed gratification for your finances. Investments are a responsible way to plan for your future.

However, investing on its own doesn’t show fiscal responsibility. You need to invest responsibly as well – which is a skill in and of itself. That’s why many prudent people actually hire someone to get advice on how to go about doing it.

22. Staying fit and healthy

Keeping in shape is hard work, but it demonstrates a level of discipline and responsibility to yourself.

For example, if you don’t stay fit and healthy – and you eat junk food every day for 25 years – you’re surely not doing the right or mature thing for your own health in the long-term.

If you live in a society with subsidized healthcare, you can also be accused of being irresponsible with your fellow taxpayer’s money, which will necessarily be used to cover your avoidable healthcare bills.

23. Storing objects safely

One of my weaknesses is my wife doesn’t trust me with cash. It always seems to fall out of my pocket – I’m not responsible with small items!

In fact, I’ve had this issue my whole life. I remember my father chastising me for losing school things from a very early age. I also remember losing my friend’s camera in a taxi. There’s no excuse for this and it’s an ongoing example of my own irresponsibility in one part of my life.

24. Independence

Adolescents often have their responsibility tested by their parents when the parents give them a little independence and see how they handle it.

The more you can prove that you’re responsible, the more independence you will be granted.

And in fact, even in adulthood, if a person cannot demonstrate their ability to be independent, they might get put into a conservatorship, as with the famous case of Britney Spears .

See More Independence Examples Here

25. Caring for family

Caring for family members, and especially your children or elderly parents, is an obligation and your personal responsibility as a family member.

For example, when your parents get old and need to be cared for, most of us believe we have an ethical obligation to ensure they are looked after (either by you or a care worker) and they are constantly checked upon.

26. Not cheating

If you cheat in an exam, you’re acting incredibly irresponsibly. If you get caught, you’ll be in a lot of personal trouble. So, not cheating is the responsible course of action.

You may get away with cheating for some period of time, and maybe forever, but it’s still a decision that is highly risky and, therefore, not worthwhile.

27. Seeking professional help

Type: Personal and Professional

Here’s something I learned as a business owner. I could probably try to do my accounting and taxes for myself. But that’s not responsible.

The mature thing to do is to hire a professional accountant and a professional lawyer to help me make sure I’m doing things right. As a businessperson, and even in my personal life, sometimes hiring a professional is the right thing to do rather than trying to do things myself that I don’t know much about

How Can I Show Responsibility without Management Experience?

Everyone has been responsible for something or someone at some point in their lives, even if they haven’t managed a large team directly.

Even without management experience, you can show off your responsibility to an employer by talking about times when you’ve been responsible for a specific task, when someone else has relied on you for something, or when you’ve made a tough but fair decision.

Responsibility Interview Question Examples

Most interviewers won’t ask you yes or no questions. Instead, they want detailed answers so they can understand who you are.

If they want to find out if you’re responsible, they will ask you questions about things you have worked on and situations you have been in in the past.

Example Questions about Responsibility:

• Tell me about a time when you had to solve a problem independently.
• When was the last time you got something wrong, and what did you do about it?
• Tell me about a time you made a decision that impacted others.
• Tell me about a time when someone had to rely on you.
• What is your proudest accomplishment?

These types of questions can be challenging to plan for, but they are an excellent opportunity to show off your conscientiousness and that you take your responsibilities seriously.

Tailor your answers to match the role to which you’re applying.

Which Careers Have High Levels of Responsibility?

Every career requires you to take some responsibility for a task or action – that’s the very definition of doing a job.

Different careers have differing levels of responsibility. Here are a few example careers that require workers to be responsible:

1. Management / Leadership

Leaders in any organization must balance their responsibility to the company with their commitments to their direct reports.

2. Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals such as nurses, doctors, paramedics, and midwives must be highly responsible and level-headed. One slip-up or ill-judged action could be life-changing for patients.

3. Military / Firefighter / Dangerous Jobs

Dangerous careers like soldiers and firefighters involve life-or-death situations every day.

Each person has a specific job, and their colleagues rely on them to understand their responsibilities and carry out their job effectively.

4. Working With Vulnerable People

Finally, one of the most important jobs anyone can do is working in care, with children, or with vulnerable people.

Carers, social workers, teachers, and parents have an immense responsibility to care for the people they look after because they can’t look after themselves.

The best way to show an interviewer or potential employer that you’re responsible is to describe situations or examples of when you’ve acted responsibly in the past.

It’s better to ‘show’ rather than ‘tell,’ and situational examples are a good way for you to show off your best qualities.

Even if you don’t feel like you have lots of experience with responsibility, you can pick an example from your personal life that suits your career choice.

Some everyday examples of responsibility you could use include:

• Being a good parent.
• Working with other people.
• Difficult decisions you’ve had to make.
• Looking after yourself and others.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University

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Taking Personal Responsibility for Your Happiness

Taking personal responsibility for happiness involves surrendering..

Posted December 13, 2011 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

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As those who have embarked on the quest for happiness know quite well, a crucial milestone on the path involves taking personal responsibility. Taking personal responsibility means not blaming others for your unhappiness. It means figuring out ways in which you can be happy despite others' (negative) behaviors and despite the external circumstances. A person who has taken personal responsibility recognizes an all-important truth about happiness: your happiness depends much more on your attitude than it does on objective, external circumstances.

Does this mean that one can be happy no matter what the external circumstances? Can one be happy despite intense physical or psychological pain?

This is the question many of my students ask when I talk of taking personal responsibility for happiness.

Theoretically, it is possible to be happy no matter what the external circumstance. How? Because one's emotional state is a function of how one interprets events, rather than what actually happened, as reflected in Milton's famous saying, "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." Findings from cognitive theories of affect support Milton's saying. Generally speaking, our happiness—in fact, any emotional state, including a negative one—is generated by interpretations of events, as I elaborated in another post . When we interpret our negative boss as an obstacle, for example, we feel angry and frustrated; if, in contrast, we view our boss as " exactly what we need in order to become a better person ," we experience a sense of calmness, perhaps even gratitude .

Of course, most of us do not believe that we can be happy no matter what the external circumstance. When confronted with the idea that happiness is ultimately in the mind, many of us immediately entertain extreme examples that falsify the theory: could we be happy even if we break a bone or lose our job?

To me, those are the wrong questions to ask. The right question to ask is whether we can be happy given the types of negative events that routinely occur in our lives. In other words, rather than ask yourself if you can be happy even in extremely negative circumstances, ask yourself whether you can be happy in the more moderate circumstances in which you find yourself on a day-to-day basis. Can you, for example, entertain the possibility of being happy despite the fact that it's raining outside? Can you be happy if a meeting with your client did not go as well as you would have liked?

Why is asking yourself whether you can be happy in extremely (vs. moderately) negative circumstances the wrong question? Because, by asking such a question, you undermine the confidence you need to develop the ability to be happy under all circumstances. Just as a child cannot imagine being as physically strong as an adult, those of us who haven't developed the ability to interpret moderately negative events in a happiness-enhancing fashion cannot imagine being happy in extremely negative circumstances.

It is useful to think of the ability to control your emotional responses to events as a muscle; just as your biceps become stronger only when you exercise them using the appropriate weights—weights that are neither too light nor too heavy—your ability to control your emotional response to events gains strength only when you take on challenges that are commensurate with your current ability. If you are currently someone who lets relatively minor events—like an encounter with a rude waitress—spoil your mood, how can you expect to maintain your happiness when a more extreme event—like a weeklong visit from a unpleasant relative—unfolds?

The point is: just because you currently lack the ability to maintain emotional positivity in the face of extremely negative events doesn't mean that the theory—that the key to your happiness ultimately lies in your hands—is false. Rather, what it means is that you don't, at present, possess sufficient control over your mind to feel happy regardless of the circumstances. You may ultimately desire to be like Gandhi or Jesus—who were remarkable in their ability to maintain good cheer even in the face of extreme adversity—but you can't get there by biting off more than you can chew right now.

This brings me to an interesting irony about taking personal responsibility. Seeking mental control, it might appear at first blush, is similar to seeking control over others or over the circumstances. Quite the contrary! If anything, your ability to control your own mind is diminished by seeking to control others and the circumstances. Indeed, a critical element in developing mental control is a willingness to accept whatever outcomes you are dealt. If you cannot fully accept your outcomes—including, for example, the presence of a toxic boss, or poor health—you will not be able to interpret these outcomes in a positive light, and hence, you cannot be happy.

So, taking personal responsibility for your happiness involves, ultimately, adopting a "surrender mindset"—which refers to the willingness to fully and unquestioningly accept the outcomes you are dealt in life.

But how does one develop the surrender mindset?

Before answering this question, let me briefly discuss a commonly held misconception about the surrender mindset. Surrendering isn't the same as capitulating. In other words, a person with a surrender mindset is not a weak, rudderless individual who has "checked out" from this world; rather, he is someone who, like the rest of us, has desires and goals and pursues them. However, whereas the rest of us cling to our desires with feverish desperation, a person with the surrender mindset does not. Thus, a person with the surrender mindset may dream of breaking the world record in the 100-meter dash, but if he were to discover a physical condition that prevents him from achieving this dream, he will be able to discard his dream, and move on to other goals without hesitation.

In other words, a person with the surrender mindset is like the rest of us in many ways, but only until the moment the outcomes unfold. Whereas the rest of us ruminate and moan when our favored outcomes don't unfold, the person with a surrender mindset is able to move on, emotionally unscathed.

Let me now return to the question I had raised earlier: How does one develop the surrender mindset?

The most effective way to develop the mindset is one that those with a scientific orientation will likely find unappealing: it involves faith in a larger intelligence or force. Specifically, those who believe that there is force larger than oneself, and that this force is benign, will find it easier to surrender. The reason for this is straightforward: if you believe that the Universe is shaped by a force more powerful than you, and that this force has your best interests at heart, then you will find it much easier to make peace with the outcomes you are dealt. Even if you are unable to see how an outcome is beneficial for you in the moment, you will at least be willing to look for ways in which it opens new doors and opportunities. In contrast, if you are convinced that the outcome you have been dealt is bad for you, you are more likely to ruminate about the past than to move forward.

Ultimately then, surrendering has to do with trust. Just as trusting the people with whom you interact on a day-to-day basis is indispensible for being happy, so it seems that trusting that the Universe is taking care of you is crucial for being happy too.

This may be one reason why findings repeatedly show that religious people are, on average, significantly happier. Developing the surrender mindset, however, doesn't mean you need to become religious. One can entertain the belief in a benign (rather than malign or indifferent) Universe without subscribing to any other religious tenet.

So, the logical thing to do, if you want to take personal responsibility for your own happiness, is to do something that might sound illogical: to have faith and adopt the surrender mindset.

Isn't that wonderful?

Raj Raghunathan, Ph.D. , is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Department of Marketing at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business.

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Essay on Responsibility

Responsibility, an essential virtue, plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s character and contributing to societal progress. It encompasses a wide range of actions and attitudes, from personal accountability to civic duty. This essay delves into the multifaceted nature of responsibility, its importance in various aspects of life, and ways to foster it.

Responsibility

At its core, responsibility is the moral obligation to act correctly and make decisions that positively impact oneself and others. It involves recognizing and accepting the consequences of one’s actions. Responsibility is not just about fulfilling duties; it is about being reliable, trustworthy, and making decisions that are considerate of others.

Personal Responsibility

Personal responsibility is fundamental in shaping one’s life. It involves self-discipline, time management, and the ability to make thoughtful decisions. For instance, students demonstrate personal responsibility by completing their assignments on time and preparing for exams. Adults show it by managing their finances wisely and fulfilling their professional obligations.

Social Responsibility

Beyond personal spheres, responsibility extends to social contexts. Social responsibility involves contributing to the welfare of society and the environment. It includes actions like volunteering, recycling, and being informed about social issues. Companies exhibit social responsibility through ethical business practices and community engagement.

Responsibility in Relationships

Responsibility is crucial in building and maintaining healthy relationships. It requires honesty, respect, and the ability to listen and respond to the needs of others. In friendships, it might mean being there for someone in difficult times. In family dynamics, it involves contributing to household chores and supporting family members.

Academic Responsibility

In academic settings, responsibility is key to success. It involves attending classes regularly, engaging in learning activities, and respecting teachers and peers. Academic responsibility also includes academic integrity – avoiding plagiarism and cheating, which are detrimental to one’s learning process.

Civic Responsibility

Civic responsibility entails participation in the democratic process, adherence to laws, and involvement in community affairs. It includes voting, being aware of current events, and possibly engaging in activism or community service. Civic responsibility is the bedrock of a functioning democracy.

Professional Responsibility

In the workplace, responsibility is synonymous with dependability and professionalism. It involves meeting deadlines, collaborating with colleagues, and adhering to ethical standards. Professional responsibility also includes continual self-improvement and contributing positively to the work environment.

The Consequences of Irresponsibility

Irresponsibility can have far-reaching consequences. Neglecting personal health, for example, can lead to chronic diseases. Academic irresponsibility can result in poor grades and lost opportunities. Social irresponsibility can contribute to environmental degradation and societal problems.

Fostering Responsibility

Responsibility can be developed through practice and reflection. Setting personal goals, managing time effectively, and reflecting on one’s actions are ways to cultivate personal responsibility. Participating in community service and staying informed about social issues can enhance social responsibility.

Responsibility is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessary component for personal growth and societal well-being. It manifests in various forms, from personal to professional, and its absence can have detrimental effects. By embracing responsibility in all its forms, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives, and societies can thrive. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the value of responsibility becomes even more pronounced, making it an indispensable virtue for the future.

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Personal Responsibility: What Is It, Examples and How To Develop & Improve

Personal responsibility is an extremely crucial skill to have if we want to succeed in life. Whether you like it or not, we are responsible for ourselves.

One key way to develop and consistently demonstrate personal responsibility is through cultivating self-awareness about your unique strengths and talents. Taking a comprehensive strengths assessment like HIGH5 can help you identify your distinct combination of qualities that you can intentionally apply towards exhibiting the characteristics of a personally responsible individual. With clarity about how your innate strengths influence your behaviors and mindsets, you can more purposefully leverage them while also working to counterbalance any potential blindspots or weaknesses

This article will dive into the definition and eight qualities of having personal responsibility. You will learn how to develop and improve your personal responsibility. We will also provide you with examples of different personal responsibilities.

What is Personal Responsibility?

Personal responsibility is the amount of commitment to creating and attaining the goals you set. It also means that you accept complete responsibility for your behavior, feelings, and decisions in all areas of your life.

Being accountable for things in your life will leave you with little room for finger-pointing. It will also help you gain more control over your life. You will own up and take responsibility when confronted with the outcome of your actions, regardless of good or bad.

You embrace the belief that you have the power and responsibility to shape the life you desire. You recognize that everything happens in your life for a reason. And these situations happen for you rather than to you.

Having a sense of personal responsibility means being prepared to adhere to society’s norms of personal behavior. An individual with personal responsibility will not attempt to pin the blame on someone else.

Instead, they show maturity in their reaction to the given situation and accept responsibility for their actions.

8 Qualities & Characteristics of Someone Who Has a Sense of Personal Responsibility

1. communication skills.

You can’t take responsibility for things that you don’t know. So you must know what you need to do and how you should go about doing it. A great way to start is by asking someone related to the matter.

It could be your employer, mentor, colleagues, friends, or family members. Seeking clarification is extremely vital to prevent making assumptions that lead to unnecessary errors.

Communication also includes soliciting input from others. Don’t be afraid to ask when something is not going according to your plan. When you communicate with others about what you did wrongly, they are less inclined to become upset.

You may even be surprised by their willingness to collaborate and help you solve the issue.

2. Ability to Create Boundaries

When establishing a sense of personal responsibility, it is critical not to overcommit yourself. If you take on too many responsibilities, you may end up putting yourself under too much pressure to live up to others’ expectations.

As a result, you may inevitably mess up and disappoint the people around you. Taking on too many responsibilities may leave you feeling burnout due to the stress you experienced.

It may also lead to you producing poor quality work or making more mistakes at work. Hence, it would be ideal to decline and focus on your current work tasks and responsibilities.

Doing so will help to preserve your responsibility within your job position. It will also pay big dividends in showing your value, advancing your career, and earning respect from others.

3. Humility

Humility is a critical quality for personal responsibility, as it involves being honest about your strengths and weaknesses. By taking the HIGH5 strengths assessment , you can gain a deeper understanding of your unique talents and areas for growth. This self-awareness can foster humility, enabling you to acknowledge your mistakes and accept responsibility within your capabilities. The HIGH5 test provides personalized insights that can help you manage your responsibilities more effectively by leveraging your natural strengths while addressing potential blind spots. Embracing this strengths-based approach allows you to showcase your authentic self, contributing to your overall success.

4. Ability to Control Emotions and Feelings

It’s hard to assume personal responsibility for unfavorable events in your life. Humans make terrible choices in the heat of the moment to satisfy their needs and desires.

Due to the limited time, you are more likely to make decisions based on your impulse rather than thinking through it logically. But if given enough time to think through it, you might select the more responsible option.

Recognize that you have power over your decisions. And to follow through with the decisions takes huge determination and courage. Such self-control is necessary for achieving personal responsibility.

Admitting your shortcomings or failures can be frightening. But being in denial and deceiving yourself can lead to overwhelming stress and worry. Displaying personal responsibility means having the courage to own up to your mistakes.

To begin cultivating courage and strength, the first step is to define your fear. Identifying the root causes and facing your fear can help you develop your courage.

Fear is usually caused by the unknown. If you are willing to embrace the unknown, you will be less affected by your fear.

6. Persistence

Irrespective of the challenges you may encounter in life, you must continue to strive for a feeling of personal responsibility. There will be times when a minor mistake feels like a massive failure.

But it is also during these times that will who you are as a person. To establish a sense of personal responsibility, you must take persistent action. Set clear goals and determine the actions required to achieve those goals.

Identify what it takes to overcome the challenges you are currently facing. Once you’ve established your goals, you will arm yourself with the necessary skills to start taking responsibility to live the life you envision.

7. Be Your Authentic Self

A huge part of having personal responsibility is believing what’s right for you and behaving in ways that are aligned with your principle. You trust yourself enough to make your own decision rather than relying on others’ opinions.

As a responsible person, you will do what is expected of you when nobody is looking. Your responsibilities are yours alone. While others may offer to help you, this does not mean that they will complete it.

Taking personal responsibility for your work is the way to earn your rightful place wherever you are. Being your true self also entails not coming up with excuses.

Be truthful and open about your desires and feelings. Ideally, it is best to be sincere all the time rather than having to find excuses and back out of something you’ve given your words.

8. Be Organized

If you have a strong sense of personal responsibility, you will keep your life well organized. You create your process (using planners, software, etc.) to organize and track your day-to-day activities.

As someone with personal responsibility, you don’t procrastinate and delay your work until right before your deadline. You know that rushing to finish work at the last minute will not produce the best quality work.

One way to help you develop personal responsibility and prevent procrastination is by prioritizing the most difficult tasks on your list first. Once you get the toughest tasks out of the way, you will create momentum to complete the remaining easier tasks.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Reflect on the strengths identified in your HIGH5 assessment and consider how you can leverage them to enhance the qualities of personal responsibility. For example, if one of your strengths is related to communication, focus on using clear and effective communication to seek clarification, solicit input from others, and build strong relationships. If courage is connected to one of your strengths, cultivate it to admit mistakes openly and embrace challenges with confidence.

Lists with Examples of Different Types of Personal Responsibilities

Ten examples of personal responsibility at work.

• Accept responsibility for your problems and attempt to handle them on yourself.
• Take charge of your problems and try to handle them on your own.
• Admit and apologize for the mistakes you made.
• Learn and adhere to the workplace’s norms and rules.
• Provide constructive feedback and suggestions to improve processes or workflows when necessary.
• Give your best and never give up on challenging tasks.
• Be honest and genuine with everyone in your workplace.
• If you’re having trouble understanding something, reach out to someone with more experience for help.
• Don’t point fingers at others for your problems in the workplace.
• Have the courage to speak up if there is any issue or problem that requires attention.

Ten examples of individual personal responsibility

• Always be punctual.
• Make an effort to listen attentively when someone else is speaking.
• Motivate others around you, especially your friends and family, with your enthusiasm and energy.
• Make a difference in the community by volunteering or donating to charities.
• Be flexible by changing your efforts or shifting your perspective.
• Refrain from gossiping or talking behind other people’s backs.
• Be in control of your emotions and impulses to prevent yourself from acting irrationally.
• View problems and setbacks as opportunities to expand one’s knowledge, experiences, and talents.
• Do not engage in behaviors that are morally or ethically wrong.
• Resolve disagreements or confrontations peacefully and respectfully.

Ten examples of personal government responsibility

• Register yourself as a voter and take part in elections.
• Respect and obey the country’s rules and laws.
• Take good care of your health and safety.
• Pay your taxes on time.
• Don’t litter or commit acts of vandalism that harm the environment.
• Learn about your country’s history.
• Support your country’s team at sporting events.
• Show tolerance to people of different religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Take a stand for what you believe in and protect those who are vulnerable.
• Be a competent and contributing member of society.

Why is Personal Responsibility Important?

Throughout your life, you will face many circumstances where you need to make a decision. These decisions will determine the road you take and the success you achieve in your life.

You may feel great temporarily for avoiding your responsibilities. But, in the long run, it will create more suffering for you and the people around you. You might also find yourself feeling hopeless and trapped in the world you currently live in.

10 Benefits You Will Experience When You Start Taking Personal Responsibility

• Is seen as a reliable person and leader who others can count on during difficult times.
• Become more empathetic and show your caring side to support the people around you.
• Develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships with others.
• Foster a romantic relationship with your partner built on trust and communication.
• Develop meaningful and long-lasting relationships with the most important people in your life.
• Less inclined to blame others or external events for the negative things that happen to you.
• Admit and learn from your mistakes to become a better person.
• Shows your authentic self in everything you do and strives to be the best version of yourself.
• Display yourself as a trustworthy person who will never break the promises you made.
• Contributes to higher self-esteem and happiness from achieving the goals in your life.

How to Develop Personal Responsibility in 3 Easy Steps?

It’s critical to embrace what’s happening before your very eyes, make a decision, and take charge. This is how you show accountability and take personal responsibility for everything that happens in your life.

As mentioned earlier, taking responsibility means taking action rather than reacting to what’s happening. Here are three simple steps you can start doing to practice intentional decisions and create the success you want.

Step 1: Don’t blame or whine

We’ve talked about this many times before. Blaming others is not a sign of a responsible person. When you blame others, you act as if you are the victim and want others to pity you.

Whining and complaining is another technique frequently used to avoid taking responsibility. It prevents you from making positive impacts on your life. It also stops you from moving toward success and living your desired life.

Step 2: Learn not to take things personally

Learn not to take things personally. Keep in mind that disagreements are not personal attacks on your character or abilities. In fact, conflicts and differing perspectives can be valuable for your growth and success. They promote collaboration, strengthen relationships, and lead to better decision-making. By understanding your unique strengths through the HIGH5 assessment , you can approach disagreements with greater confidence and objectivity. Recognizing your innate talents can help you navigate conflicts more constructively, leveraging your strengths to find mutually beneficial solutions. The HIGH5 test provides insights that can empower you to embrace diverse viewpoints, fostering personal and professional development.

So the next time you feel negative emotion rising within you, take a deep breath. Pause to calm yourself down. Instead of reacting to disagreements based on your impulses, deal with them calmly from a logical point of view.

Step 3: Be aware of your actions

Knowing that you have the power to make intentional decisions makes you feel empowered. Remember that you are responsible for your actions. Success is your responsibility and obligation.

So, make sure that you have clear goals and aspirations in life. Always choose actions that will move you a step closer, not further away from your goals.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 After completing the HIGH5 strengths assessment , use the insights to develop an action plan for taking personal responsibility. Identify specific situations where you can apply your top strengths to avoid blaming others, manage emotions effectively, and make intentional decisions aligned with your goals. For example, if discipline is represented by one of your strengths, leverage it to stay focused and follow through on your commitments.

How to Improve Personal Responsibility?

1. have realistic expectations.

Life is not a chess game where you can plan a couple of steps ahead of time. And as we grow older, we start to realize life isn’t perfect and things don’t always go according to plan.

So, learn to enjoy the moment and embrace the imperfections around you. Unrealistic expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment. Excessive expectations can also wreak havoc on your relationships with others too.

As a result, having realistic expectations is a critical component of becoming personally responsible. It teaches you that nothing is perfect and not everything will happen as you expected.

This allows you to focus your energy on things within your control to improve your life.

2. Develop Healthy Habits

Developing healthy habits can assist you in taking on more responsibilities. Healthy habits are essential for improving your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Good habits will set the foundation for living a healthy and successful life. It will make you a more responsible person and get you closer to your goals. You will ensure that your time won’t be wasted on unnecessary activities and help you be more productive.

3. Take Time to Pause and Reflect

Responsible and successful individuals always allocate time within their schedule to do self-reflection. By analyzing and reflecting on your past actions and feelings, it helps you to understand yourself at a deeper level.

Deep introspection allows you to be as honest as possible with yourself. Recognizing your weaknesses and taking good care of yourself is an essential element of being personally responsible.

Reflection allows you to see things clearly, cutting through all the noise or criticism around you.

Pro Tip From HIGH5 Incorporate your HIGH5 strengths assessment results into your self-reflection practice. Analyze how you can use your unique strengths to develop healthier habits, manage expectations, and cultivate personal responsibility. If creativity is one of your top strengths, explore innovative ways to integrate healthy routines into your daily life or approach challenges from a fresh perspective.

7 Inspiring Quotes on Personal Responsibility

• “There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, the responsibility lies with you.” ― J.K. Rowling
• “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt
• “This is your life. You are responsible for it. You will not live forever. Don’t wait.” ― Natalie Goldberg
• “You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.” — Jim Rohn
• “Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses.” — George Washington Carver
• “All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you.” — Wayne Dyer
• “Eventually we all have to accept full and total responsibility for our actions, everything we have done, and have not done.” — Hubert Selby Jr.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Responsibility

Why is personal responsibility important in decision-making.

You will keep yourself accountable for taking responsibility for the decisions you make. It shows that your actions speak louder than words. By keeping the promises you make, you build a dependable and trustworthy image for others.

It also serves as a powerful reminder that you are responsible for the way your life turns out with the decisions you make.

How do you show personal responsibility?

There are many ways for you to show personal responsibility. As a responsible person, you will not blame or complain about the circumstances you get yourself into.

Instead, you will learn from it and take immediate action to deal with the problems. You will also not take others’ comments or feedback personally because you know these are critical for your success.

Personal responsibility also means knowing that you are accountable for your every action or decision.

What are my responsibilities to myself?

Each person’s responsibilities differ from one to another. Here are some personal responsibilities that are critical for almost everyone. Taking good care of your physical, mental and emotional well-being is another responsibility of yours.

Keep in mind not to engage in behaviors that are morally or ethically wrong. Learn to view setbacks as opportunities to grow and improve yourself.

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Personal Responsibility, Ethics, and Values

Introduction, personal responsibility, personal ethics, personal viewpoints on personal ethics, strengths and weaknesses of personal responsibility, values of personal responsibility, resultant behaviors of personal responsibility.

Personal responsibility is defined as being responsible for oneself and the safety and demands of others. For any student to prosper at school, s/he has to be organized, meaning that s/he should be personally responsible for his/her learning by being organized. Students ought to be focused on attaining the grades they wish in their classes. The most important thing about getting through school is being collected. This can be done by finishing assignments on time. A student needs to note down this information because it could help him/her recall what s/he is supposed to do.

According to Dorn (23), there are several personal responsibilities examples such as money and finances, mission life calling and destiny, relationships and intimacy, health wellness and longevity, psychology and emotions, spirituality, religion, and enlightenment. I determined this book to be reliable because it examines personal responsibility and, therefore, relevant to the topic. I believe that the author is not biased because, at the end of each outlined story, he encourages individuals to use wisdom from various contributors. He notes down how they are helpful to me, and I apply them in my personal life. This will help me to achieve personal transformation as a way of improving personal responsibility.

Consequently, I will benefit after every three months because I will get exclusive and new wisdom in one of the named personal responsibility areas. This enables me to renew and refresh my commitment to meeting my personal obligations. I understand that personal responsibility is a freedom and not a burden, and it aims at bringing power to me by learning something new each day.

As noted by Dorn (56), there is an example of Smith, who provided a real-life story of a committed student of martial arts as he allows for solutions and challenges of physical training and nutrition challenges experienced. In such a situation, there is a need for one to take personal responsibility in order to overcome difficult conditions. I think there is no author bias because the author has outlined several examples in this text and has further explained how one can use personal responsibility to overcome such situations (Berkshire Hathaway Inc 2).

This information is vital for this essay as it helps in enhancing the theme of the paper, personal responsibility. His writings aim at taking individuals to an advanced level of personal growth and development as a way of using personal responsibility in all aspects of life. We understand that life is a creative process, and therefore in whatever we feel, we ought to balance our lives. The essence of personal responsibility is that you are responsible for everything that you think, believe, and do (Bazerman and Tenbrunsel 65).

At such a time that we make choices, we put things in a manner that we want them to be. While taking individual responsibility, I start with my inner feelings that are unspoken and unconscious assumptions. The action that I take to be responsible for what happens in my life is an excellent step of moving from immaturity to maturity.

Personal ethics are defined as moral guidelines chosen by an individual in any ethical system. Personal ethics differ from other ethics because, with personal ethics, an individual is committed to his/her moral life. To be committed morally means that you devote to specific values and use them in your daily life. I use personal ethics to determine a course of action, such as to solve a problem in life. It is factual that life has many issues, and therefore, I have to make sure all issues are solved in time.

I could do this by shaping my life to fit into other peoples’ lives. For instance, I could use moral language. I will also use ethical language by using honest words like ought and good. For example, I conversed with a friend, and the section of the conversation is recorded here. I told him, “you are behaving like a beast.” He answered me, “I do not want to behave better than this because I know I misbehave to express my personal ethics.” I told her, “you ought to change your behavior.”

My personal viewpoint on personal ethics is that ethics are behavioral, and it is a manner of individual conduct based on personal values and beliefs. One’s treatment of others is based on an individual’s well-defined morals. Personal ethics helps one to make a decision between conflicting issues.

My preferred ethical lens is that an individual should make decisions that are dependable on his/her values and the values of the society; s/he should also make a decision on what is wrong or right, bad or good, unjust, or just. While making an ethical decision, one should be specific to the content, especially if it is a similar situation; s/he should make a decision that will benefit an individual and the organization both in the short run and in the long run.

A blind spot is a methodology employed to uncover outdated assumptions in the mental scheme of the decision maker’s environment. It is the value that people attach while determining the bias in themselves and other people. My blind spot can result in unpleasing behavior like lack of humility, defensiveness, and a tendency to be over-controlling. At times I feel that the decisions I make are always right, and there is no need to listen to other peoples’ opinions or incorporate their points of view.

I am in a position to solve my own problems. I also assist groups and communities in solving their problems. In addition, I try to help people to recognize that individuals who are helped are community members who deserve respect, dignity, and responsibility. Furthermore, I help individuals to find out new resources around them and make fair use of them.

My weaknesses in personal responsibility include the following. I lack the ability to understand others. For instance, a person may be making a joke, and because I do not understand him/her, we end up conflicting. The inability to work with others, especially those who feel that they are more competent than others, is my other weakness. Lastly, I have a deficiency of failure to take responsibility since, at times, I fail to take up my responsibilities depending on my moods.

My values in personal responsibility are many and include self-control exercises. A good example is whenever I am angry with someone; I always find a way to control myself to avoid more problems. I fulfill my obligations effectively. For instance, if I start a particular project, I always make sure that its mission has been accomplished. I also make sound judgments, do not blame others, and am still reliable and answerable.

My resultant behaviors of personal responsibility include an always awareness of my personal values, demonstration of integrity, and truthfulness in practice. My display of understanding of professional values and application of social work principles and ethical values are vital responsibility behaviors displayed too.

Personal responsibility is an important area of study because it defines how an individual should be responsible for himself and for others. Several studies indicate that personal responsibility contributes to self-awareness, which results in improved individual and organizational performance.

Bazerman, Max, and Tenbrunsel, Anne. Blind Spots: Why We Fail to Do What’s Right and What to Do About It. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2011. Print.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. “ Code of Business Conduct and Ethics . ” 2010. Web.

Dorn, Janice. Personal Responsibility: The Power of You . Birmingham: Pat Gorman Talks LLC, 2007. Print.

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My Personal Responsibility: to Know Who I Am

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