In our discussions this week during class, we have been talking about responsibility: being accountable, reliable, and fulfilling your duties. When you are in charge of something, you get it done.
Responsibility is an important aspect of daily life. Mature people fulfill their obligations so that society can function. Think about it this way:
If you are responsible for washing the dishes, and you don't get them done, what happens? Dirty dishes pile up until you don't have anything clean to cook or eat with. The task of washing the dishes becomes increasingly daunting. Eventually, the dishes will start to smell, and could create a health hazard.
The metaphors can be turned to any task for which you are accountable. It can feel good for a little while to avoid the tasks that you dislike, but that feeling won't last long. If you don't fulfill your responsibilities, things start to fall apart.
Responsibility is empowering. Children and adults alike can benefit from the trust implicit in being given authority over specific tasks. It builds self-esteem and confidence. Responsibility and empathy are closely linked. Given the opportunity to care for others and being accountable for doing so builds a connection between the care-giver and the care-receiver.
Here are some tips for developing responsibility:
If you agree to do something, just do it. Don't make excuses, don't wait to be told - just get it done.
Don't complain. Whining about getting your task done doesn't benefit anyone.
Avoid procrastinating. The longer you wait, the harder your task will grow.
Don't overcommit. Only agree to do things that you will be actually able to get done.
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