Interesting approach. I haven't fully assimilated the idea of taking complete responsibility for other people's actions yet myself. You might not have intended it, but that's a very subjective reality perspective. It does seem like a very empowering approach.

"At the same time, I never feel bad about decisions I’ve made. There’s no point. The best thing that can be done is to analyze the mistake and use that info for future decision making."

I logically get that, and try to do it, but sometimes it's hard for me not to beat myself up for bad decisions I've made.

I think you did a good job.

This is similar to a Tony Robbins approach that he calls "asking empowering questions". People tend to ask disempowering questions and get appropriate results.

Also reminds me of the difference between problem solvers and problem sympathizers. Did you ever see the "White Men Can't Jump"? There was a scene between Woody Harrelson and Rosie Perez where she says she's thirsty and he gets her a glass of water. She gets upset at him because she just wanted sympathy and he wanted to solve her thirst.

Here's the transcript. Scroll down to "thirsty"
http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/w/white-men-cant-jump-script.html

Hey Tynan,

I really loved this post. This philosophy of Personal Responsibility for EVERYTHING is very empowering and causes a lot of desire for growth!

Sometimes, for sure, it is weird to take responsibility for things like a girl having a boyfriend... but really you're taking responsibility for YOUR actions up to that point which CAUSED her to TELL YOU she had a boyfriend. This last point has happened a few times recently in my life, and I've begun applying the strategies from your book to deal with it.

Not sure if you've read it, but Steve Pavlina's post about this, he calls it Subjective Reality. It aligns very well with this, and he takes it a step further: you are 100% responsible for EVERYTHING in your life. Including stories you see on the news. WTF?

Alex

Amen! If only more people would adopt this mindset, I think we'd have a much better country. I've been on this kick for a good many years now. I make decisions, and I have to live with the results they bring, good or bad. Good: do it again. Bad: rethink and try something else. So very simple, yet so impossible to convince others who are mired in the victim mentality.

I stumbled upon this post and was instantly hit by that brief flash of annoyance you get when you realize you're not really that original after all. Gotta love that.

But yeah, this is pretty much how I live, and I totally agree with you. I'm not sure when I started thinking like this, but it's done nothing but good things for me thus far. Like you, I'm having trouble doing it justice, but you really touched on the core of it with the "At the same time, I never feel bad about decisions I’ve made" point. Full responsibility, no regrets. It just...makes sense. Hats off.