This blog has been in my head for a while now. It stems from my first-hand experience working as the CEO for a N.Z. business in recent times, during which I listened to how the directors of this business would blame a number of parties (e.g. accountants/ consultants) for their trading performance and achievements.
These directors made claims that they had failed to move their business ahead and grow at a faster rate due to poor advice that they had received from various people who they had elected to engage in order to provide commercial advice. It was quite astounding to understand just how much they attributed their position in life to other people not giving them what they needed.
There’s a lot of “blaming” that goes on in society now. It seems mostly borne out of a thirst to realise one’s dreams in as small a time-frame as possible. My view on “blaming” is simply this…
Each human life is a product of choices made and opportunities seized, and sometimes a bit of genuine bad luck along the way – no more and no less. For the most part we (ourselves) are responsible for our experiences…and yes, our position in life (be that financial or other).
I used to visit a particular high-performing jewellery company in Auckland as a part of a past management role that I used to fulfill. On the wall behind the reception area of this business was this writing:
“To accomplish great things we must not only act – but also dream. Not only plan – but also believe.”
I believe that each person (as an individual) is responsible – and should take responsibility – for every aspect of their life. This includes:
- Our thoughts
- Our communications
- Money creation
- Fun
- …and most importantly, happiness
Other people should not be relied upon for any of the above, nor blamed for failing to endow us with these things.
I have found that when people take more responsibility for their own life, they tend not to blame other people for the events in their life…and generally they become happier about themselves and the life they live.
So, if you’re a business person (owner/ manager) and feel the urge to blame others for your business and/ or life situation, my suggestion is that you stop blaming and start redirecting that energy towards building a more positive/ constructive life for yourself. Your newfound positive vibe is bound to cause more positive and enjoyable relationships to transpire between yourself and others around you…which may just lead to new and/ or improved customer relationships…and in-turn greater prosperity.