Nobody Can Do This, Except You

Do you want some great advice? I’ll give it to you, even though you probably won’t listen. That’s because if you’re like most people, you receive advice almost every day, and even though it’s sound, you don’t act upon it. Mind you, it comes from folks with excellent qualifications who have a vast amount of experience. What’s more, these smart people don’t blindside you with unsolicited advice — in many cases, you’ve requested it. Yet even though it’s in your best interest to act accordingly, you don’t. The point is that great advice is worthless if nobody acts on it.

You must be asking yourself why this happens.

In short, we don’t want to be inconvenienced one bit. Even though we desire success, we don’t want to do the work or make the sacrifices required to obtain it. Instead, we expect someone to offer us a silver bullet, wave a magic wand, or better yet, do it for us. And even though we know that won’t happen, we still hold out hope. Quite frankly, nobody is going to do it except you.

Actions have consequences. So does inaction.

On the other hand, when people are pressed to act, they often procrastinate by saying, “I’ll start tomorrow.” But tomorrow never comes…or they shelve the idea altogether. What’s more, when the bill ultimately comes due, and it usually does, they don’t accept responsibility for failing to do their part. Instead, they get angry and either blame the system or the advice that they received.

A good intention is like an idea that you keep to yourself.
If you don’t do something with it, it’s like it never existed.

Personal Responsibility Can’t Be Delegated

The next time you receive sound advice from a doctor, teacher, fitness coach, financial representative, or even a parent, don’t just chew on the idea. Act! Who should care more about your happiness and success, the person giving the advice or the person living with the outcome? In other words, nobody should care more than you.

People may be trying to help you, but you must also help yourself. Doctors can’t make you healthy. Teachers can’t make you learn. Financial planners can’t make you save. What’s more… parents give you life. Only you can give it meaning. In short, you can’t expect people to live your life for you. You know what you must do. It’s your choice whether you do it. Take the reins and accept responsibility for your destiny.

Don’t wait for people to cater to your every whim. If others can do for themselves, so can you. Plus, the more you choose to accept responsibility for your life, the more power you’ll have to determine your destiny. It will take hard work, investment, and yes — sacrifice. But you can take great pride in knowing that you made it happen. Your journey won’t be easy, but the rewards are well worth it. Judge your successes by the hard work and sacrifices made to achieve them. Nobody can do it, except you.

Check out Frank’s latest book, The Path to a Meaningful Life.