One day the employees of a large company in St. Louis, Missouri returned from their lunch break and were greeted with a sign on the front door: "The person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the gym."

The excitement grew as the employees arrived at the gym to pay their last respects.

Everyone wondered: "Who is this person who was hindering my progress?     

“Well, at least he is no longer here!" they thought.

One by one the employees got closer to the coffin and when they looked inside it, they suddenly became speechless. They stood over the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul.

There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside could see only themselves. There was also a sign inside that said: "There is only one person who is capable of setting limits to your growth: YOU!"

Most of us, like the owner of that company knew, do not like to blame ourselves for situations we find ourselves in, we develop a

Victim mentality: Here we blame others or circumstances for our situation, we adopt a victim mentality, which can lead to powerlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness.

But by not taking responsibility, there is a lack of personal growth: We miss out on opportunities for personal growth, learning, and self-improvement.

Strained relationships: Shirking responsibility can lead to strained relationships, as others may feel frustrated, resentful, or disappointed by our lack of accountability.

Missed opportunities: When we don't take responsibility for ourselves, we will miss out on opportunities, experiences, and successes that could have been ours if we had taken ownership of our lives.

So, how can we start embracing personal responsibility? Here are some steps to take:

Acknowledge your role: Recognize that you have the power to shape your life through your choices and actions.

Take ownership of your decisions: Acknowledge that your decisions, whether good or bad, have consequences, and take responsibility for those consequences.

Be accountable: Hold yourself accountable for your actions, and be willing to make amends when you've made mistakes.

Focus on solutions: Instead of dwelling on problems, focus on finding solutions, and take action to implement those solutions.

Practice self-reflection: Regularly reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions, and use those insights to make positive changes in your life.

Taking responsibility for ourselves is a powerful way to create the life we want. By acknowledging our role in shaping our own lives, we empower ourselves to make choices, take actions, and create the future we desire. Remember, you are responsible for yourself, and that's a liberating truth.

Then when you are called to the Gym to see who was responsible for your life, you will smile into that mirror and say, “I did..!”

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