You know what they say, admitting you’ve got a problem is the first step to fixing it.
And that’s just as true in everyday life as it is in leadership. My own journey shows just how powerful it is to take ownership of your life. It wasn't until I looked in the mirror and recognized that I was the problem, and the reason why I kept ending up in jail, that I was able to break free from destructive patterns and pave the way to a brighter future.
It wasn’t about beating myself up, it was about taking back my power by recognizing I had put myself there, so I also had the ability to create a different life.
Many business owners fall into the trap of attempting to create change and growth by focusing solely on external factors. They revamp processes, overhaul teams, and implement new strategies, yet find themselves stuck in the same, frustrating cycle. They’re fixing everything outside of them and not looking at what they ALSO need to change.
So, what’s the missing piece of the puzzle?
Taking ownership of their own contributions to the challenges they face.
The Secret to Breaking Free
No matter how many external changes we make, if we fail to address our own behaviors and attitudes, we'll continue to encounter the same obstacles. You can change your team, your processes and procedures, swap out your systems and build new strategies – but if you keep ending up in the same place time and time again, YOU are the only constant. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s so empowering to be able to take back control.
As the common denominator in our struggles, we hold the key to unlocking meaningful progress. Without addressing your responsibilities in the problems you are experiencing, they don’t change or stop.
True transformation begins with a deep dive into our personal and professional challenges. Examining each issue through an ownership lens allows us to gain clarity on our role in them. We’re able to decide what in those problems are in your control and what you are responsible for. Looking inward empowers us to take charge over our circumstances and implement lasting change. Quick fixes aren’t going to create the impact you want, or make you feel your best, so it’s time for a different approach.
When we take ownership of our actions and decisions, it gives you the power to change it. Because you always have a choice in how you show up, how you respond, how you lead, and the way things are done inside the business (and in your home).
When you change YOU it’s a long-term change so you don’t keep running into the same issue. As my client Kathy says, “recognizing an area that you aren’t doing well in isn’t a weakness, it's a “growth opportunity” and seeing it that way gives you the choice to conquer it.”
Time to Get Real
To embrace ownership, start by evaluating and auditing each area that you have negative emotions around in your business and relationships. Ask yourself;
What feelings am I experiencing?
How am I contributing to that problem? (Be honest)
How am I enabling the problem?
Am I communicating clearly and effectively or just expecting people to know/understand??
Am I shying away from tough conversations in hopes that it will become less of a problem in the future?
You first have to identify the problems you are having and what your role in that problem is. After that, you then ask yourself what YOU can change – take everyone else out of it. This is where you take back your power and control what is yours to control.
Taking ownership isn't just something leaders should do; it’s the key to making real change happen.
By taking responsibility for our actions and attitudes, we pave the way for growth and success. As leaders, we must lead by example, demonstrating the transformative power of ownership in our businesses and lives. When you do this, you are also being an example for the people around you – the little eyes in your home and the team working alongside you.
So, let's embrace taking ownership, break free from destructive patterns, and pave the way for a brighter future for ourselves and those we lead.
If you want to see change in your business and in your life, you have to change first.
Do you feel anxious and overwhelmed trying to manage your responsibilities and want more freedom and to be more in control of your life? Let’s talk.
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