Chapter 1: Understanding Responsibility

Experiencing dissatisfaction often indicates a reluctance to take responsibility for our circumstances. When we complain, we may be deflecting accountability for matters that truly lie with us.

Growing up can be tough, especially if you envisioned adulthood as a carefree journey. Many individuals make significant strides toward maturity, yet some may find themselves veering off course and never returning.

Take a moment to assess the individuals in your life. Are they successful? If so, consider the qualities that contribute to their achievements. Here are some traits I’ve identified:

• Determination
• A clear mission
• Urgency
• Discipline
• Leadership
• Accountability
• A realistic perspective

However, how often do we abandon our aspirations? I can confess that I quit things too often and too quickly. Even when I engage in positive activities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to keep up with them.

Who hasn’t felt the urge to cry into their pillow when faced with a job they loathe or a relationship that has lost its spark? Life shows no mercy to those who fail to recognize that they can’t always have things their way. There’s a single path to follow, a truth that many overlook. It’s time to wake up and get back in the game. Stop allowing yourself to be tossed around like a boat poorly moored in a storm.

As I reflect on what I need to achieve true peace and contentment, I initially found myself blaming others and contemplating unrealistic solutions. I even daydreamed about winning the lottery, seeking validation from fellow dreamers online. Thankfully, I have therapy scheduled soon, which keeps me grounded and accountable. I could envision myself venting about recent events, knowing my therapist would help redirect my focus toward my own beliefs and behaviors. After years of therapy, I’ve learned to apply these insights independently, gaining the tools to assess my situation and recognize where I’ve slacked off.

Therapy empowers you to take charge of your life. You stop lamenting and start acting. Eventually, you understand that your experiences are reflections of your inner state, not dictated by external circumstances. You learn to accept situations without letting them control you, shaping your environment instead—this is how true leaders emerge.

“Leaders must own everything in their world. There is no one else to blame.” — Jocko Willink, Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

Complaints often signal an evasion of responsibility, but I’m learning to take ownership of my challenges. I refuse to carry burdens that aren’t mine, but I am prepared for whatever today brings. I trust in my ability to ask questions, solve problems, and be resourceful. I’m done waiting for a rescue, like a struggling swimmer who just jumped into the deep end.

It’s liberating to realize that you have the power to change your life. Many shy away from this truth, but are you among them? Not me, and I didn’t think you were either. Now it’s time to adopt the mindset of a Navy SEAL and navigate the necessary steps to reach your goals. Train your mind, and your body will follow.

“Relax. Look around. Make a call.” — Jocko Willink, Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win

Remember, problems are merely puzzles waiting to be solved. Focus only on what you can change, and don’t waste energy on what is beyond your control. This perspective can free you from unnecessary stress.

As the wise folks used to say, “Ain’t no thang but a chicken wang.” You can clear your plate and ask for seconds. We all can.

Be well.

Chapter 2: Taking Action

In this motivational video, Gary Vaynerchuk emphasizes that your unhappiness stems from your own choices and actions. He encourages taking responsibility for your life to create change.

Jordan Peterson discusses why many feel unhappy and offers insights on reclaiming your happiness by taking ownership of your life and decisions.