According to dictionary.com the word “responsible” means answerable or accountable, as for something within one’s power, control, or management. I have noticed lately that people really don’t want to take a lot of responsibility. Whether it is for the decisions they have made, the situation they are in, or taking on more of it at work. There is a certain stigma that goes along with responsibility. I think some people look at it as a bad thing. I am here to tell you why it is not, especially in this economy.

I am so tired of all the finger pointing. From the banks and credit card companies, all the way to the government, I think I speak for all Americans when I say, “WE DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT ANY MORE!!” We are very intelligent people in this country and we understand that it was not just one person or financial institution that caused this financial crisis. However, there is something to be said for coming out and taking responsibility for the part they played in creating this house of cards that has apparently started to come down. Clearly, there were terrible decisions made, but take ownership of it. Once we do that, we can move past the finger pointing and move on to healing.

On a more personal level, start taking more responsibility in your own life. Take ownership of the decisions you have made. For example, the decision to buy a house that you may not be able to afford, a car that is just a little beyond your means, or those Coach shoes that you really didn’t need. Taking responsibility frees your mind up to move forward instead of staying in the past and beating yourself up. Okay, we made a bad decision. We cannot change the past. How do we move forward?

It is time to start taking on more responsibility, at work, at home… And, who knows what that could lead to. Responsibility is a good thing. There is absolutely no shame in taking ownership of your actions and decisions. Once you do that, who knows what the universe might present you with. The possibilities are endless!