Self-Control or Self-Responsibility

Self-Control or Self-Responsibility

Self-control is something we often hear talked about and is just as often misunderstood. Before we can even begin to talk about self-control we have to understand the concept of self.

Self means that you are not part of everyone else and no-one can control you unless you let them. No-one can make you feel anything nor make you do anything. People can't make you angry or make you upset. Only you can do that yourself. Take a minute to think about that ... no-one can make you angry or sad, that is something you choose.

The Challenge

In every situation you have a choice on how you will react and how you will feel or you can let someone else make that choice for you. Choose that you will take responsibility for your self and not blame other people or situations for anything.

The Solution

Instead of self-control we should be talking about self-responsibility. It's all about you learning to take responsibility for yourself. That might sound a bit tough, however, once you grasp the concept, it will give you back control of your life and a sense of freedom. It will then allow you to use the other person's self-responsibility, combined with choices and consequences , to create a motivating environment where both people and/or teams are able to achieve desirable outcomes.

There are more ideas and exercises on taking responsibility for yourself in my new book, Self-Managed Teams: How to do more with less!. Order your copy from the website.

You achieve what you believe!