From Brookfield, Wisconsin, what’s the key to success, improvement and happiness? Well, it starts with knowing “it’s all on me.”

If you move through life thinking “it’s all ON me,” meaning the burdens are too heavy, the pressure is too great, the demands are too much, then you’ll likely feel behind, resentful, and out of control.

Yet the same words, “It’s all on ME,” can carry an entirely different meaning. It’s my responsibility. My fault. My choice. Always. While that may sound radical or even egocentric, I promise you this approach can quickly transform your career, your relationships, and your life.

Excuses reveal we’re not serious. Explanations used to justify are just excuses rebranded. But if we earnestly seek to understand and improve then we must own all the outcomes and take responsibility for everything that happens within the scope of our influence.

Then you then can retrace events and outcomes, asking two vital questions: 1. What could I have done to prevent this or minimize the negative consequences? And 2. What can I do right now to make it better? Adopting this consistent response will help you to quickly recognize and improve the patterns of your life while simultaneously owning your authority.

You see, it takes enormous energy to assign and enforce blame. When you skip that entirely and default to accept it, you elevate above the noise and separate yourself from the crowd. For example:

Someone you trusted let you down?

How did you let that happen?

Unexpected events and problems suddenly materialized?

Were you prepared to pivot? What will you do differently next time?

The same issues and people keep frustrating you.  Why do you keep inviting those patterns and conversations?

By adopting the perspective “It’s all on me,” you reject victimhood and instantly gain awareness and agency. It’s the path of those who are serious about living honestly and doing better.  And I know that’s you. So, until next week, stay Off Balance On Purpose.