"No one gave me all the details needed" - "I turned in the project late because I didn't have any help" - "My co-worker always takes the credit for my hard work" - "My boss never has time for me" - "The company culture is toxic" - "I never get feedback on my work" - "I would be happy to join the project, but no one asked me" - "I am constantly passed over for promotion" - "I could do better work if they let me work from home" - "My boss never listens when I try to correct her" - "I would get to work earlier, but traffic is too bad"
What separates those who achieve remarkable success from those who don't? It's not just about "owning the results," a phrase we hear so often. It's about taking authorship. True authorship means recognizing yourself as the sole creator of your experiences, the architect of your destiny.
Consider this: 'The alarm didn't go off' versus 'I didn't hear the alarm.' The first places blame externally, the second acknowledges personal agency. This subtle shift – from passive recipient to active participant – is crucial. Successful individuals recognize themselves as the authors of their stories, not just characters within them
So, what does it truly mean to take authorship? Let's contrast it with its antithesis: playing the victim.
We humans have a peculiar affinity for victimhood. We blame external forces – someone else's actions, words, or circumstances – for our misfortunes. Why? Because it offers a comforting illusion. "It's not me, it's them!" we rationalize. It invites sympathy, strokes our egos, and conveniently absolves us of responsibility. How often have you sought out a friend, desperate for them to validate your grievances with a "poor you"?
Being the victim feels good. It vindicates us, providing a convenient escape from accountability. If things go wrong, it's never "my fault."
Taking authorship, however, demands a radical shift in perspective. It means accepting responsibility for all results, the triumphs and the setbacks. It means rejecting external excuses and "stories" that explain away our failures. It means recognizing that you are the primary force behind everything that happens in your life.
But here's the truth: taking authorship is hard. It requires courage. It requires facing the uncomfortable reality that you are solely responsible for your outcomes. It forces you to step outside your comfort zone and embrace vulnerability.
When you become the author of your story, you give yourself no other option but to strive for success. You eliminate the safety net of excuses and embrace the exhilarating uncertainty of uncharted territory. Becoming the author doesn’t guarantee you success, but it definitely increases your chances of hitting your results.
While taking authorship doesn't guarantee success, it significantly increases your chances of achieving your goals. It empowers you to break free from the shackles of victimhood and embrace the exhilarating potential of your own agency.
Contact me today for a complimentary coaching session and begin your journey of unwavering commitment