It is quite easy to play the blame game and to pass the buck. Unfortunately, this does not do any good except to pass the culpability to another person. If you really want to develop and evolve as a person, you are going to have start living more responsibly. It is only by doing this that you will truly be able to live a more fulfilling life. Others will also be more inclined to be around you and to associate with you. Here are some tips on how you can live more conscientiously:
Know Your Role
You might be a small fish in a big pond or even the ocean; however, you have a part to play. Each and every person in the world has a function of their own. While whatever you do have a direct impact on you, it also affects others. In fact, you will never be able to truly understand just how widespread the consequences of your actions are. This is why you need to think outside of yourself before you act. Do not think only about the outcomes for you, but also for the people around you. You should keep in mind that every decision made and word spoken has a ripple effect. It is important to make sure that you are not doing anything that will harm other people, no matter how far away.
Help Out
Just because you did not create a particular problem, does not mean that you cannot be a part of the solution. If you see something that requires fixing, why not pitch in and help? For instance, take going green or being eco-friendly. While you might not have caused climate change, you should definitely do something to reduce it. Start recycling, and use waste management services to your advantage as well. As it was mentioned above, being conscientious is more than just considering your own options. You also need to take a long and hard look at how your actions (or lack thereof) will have an impact on everyone else. Reaping rewards should not be the only reason that you are motivated to make the necessary changes.
Be Accountable
One of the most important aspects of being more responsible is to actually be accountable. A scenario that is all too familiar is people making certain decisions or committing particular acts, and then not owning up to it. However, if you first analyze the consequences of your action and determine all of the repercussions, it will be easier for you to be held accountable. This is because all of the unfortunate outcomes will be completely unintended. You will be able to explain your motivations for that particular decision with a clear conscience. One of the biggest reasons for not owning up to a mistake is either guilt or shame. If you have nothing to feel guilty over, however, you will be more than likely to take responsibility for your actions.
Incorporate these elements one by one into your daily life. This will slowly help you to be a great deal more responsible. Once you have gotten used to doing these things, your response towards accountability will become more automatic. The people around you will certainly hold you in higher esteem.