Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilya  The "you are responsible for everything" motto in PD literature is not like "pleading guilty" in litigation.
Taking responsibility for everything is the empowering position that puts ourselves in control. When accepting total responsibility we do not waste time and emotions for blaming somebody, even if others objectively failed us. We pretend "as if" we are responsible for the situation and that lets us to act immediately, gives us the ability to give response to any situation, which is the literal meaning of the word "responsibility". |
I think Ilya's spot on. For me the PD concept of accepting responsibility is a tool to help me make sure I've done everything I can to be successful, help others, improve the world, etc. The place where the tool breaks down is when you start feeling guilty for the parts of the equation upon which you didn't have any influence or when you use it to browbeat others into accepting their responsibilities.
Like all tools, accepting personal responsibility should be used to the point it helps you achieve your goals. When you start hitting yourself with it you should be put it down.