“EXTREME OWNERSHIP. If you take responsibility for everything that goes on in your organization, like magic, your team members will take full responsibility as well.” -Jocko Willink
Your life is a 100% reflection of your thoughts, beliefs, and actions up to this point.
You can observe your life through a mirror or through a window.
If you observe life through a window, you will look out into the world and find people or circumstances to blame, and excuses to make about why you did not succeed.
If you observe life through a mirror, you will look at that mirror and realize that you create and allow everything that happens to you.
“Beware of BCD: blame, complain, defend. BCD has never solved a problem, achieved a goal, or improved a relationship. Stop wasting your time and energy on something that will never help you. Ruthlessly eliminate BCD from your life.” -Urban Meyer
An easy example is the owner of a restaurant with a low-performing waiter whose attitude and work speed is not up to good standards.
As the owner, you could blame the server for his poor attitude and lack of urgency in serving customers.
Or you could look in the mirror and take 100% responsibility.
Who hired him?
YOU.
Who trained him?
A manager YOU hired.
Who tolerated his poor attitude and poor performance for a few months too long when you knew there was a problem?
YOU.
Bottom line: Even when it’s not your fault, it’s your fault.
You’re the leader.
Blame or excuses will not allow you to learn anything from the situation and correct it.
Take 100% responsibility for where you’re at right now.
The Amateur: Blame, excuses, defending mediocrity.
The Professional: 100% responsibility, believes that their world is a reflection of their thoughts, beliefs and actions, learns from their mistakes instead of blaming others.
Decide to go pro.
A whole new world will open up to you.