Playwright Tyler Perry once blamed his lack of success on his parents and others. As a result, he was homeless and lived out of the back of his car. It wasn't until Tyler took responsibility that he transformed his life.

Iyanla Vanzant a talk show host, talked about being 21, having three children, and living in government assisted housing. Instead of placing blame, she merely provided an example of the ability to overcome. She took responsibility for her future and changed the path she was on.

So often nowadays, people want to blame someone. No one wants to step up to the plate and admit that they messed things up. Taking responsibility is a key first step to anything, but especially to losing weight and committing to a healthier lifestyle.

My secretary Kara Russell and I often talk about the importance of helping others, (in particular - our children, and family members) become more responsible. She shared with me the following thoughts on the subject. I hope her comments motivate and encourage you to t ake responsibility for creating, developing, and maintaining your place in this world. Remember it's not so much what happens to you in life, but how you handle it. How you respond to it. Whether or not you are willing to step up to the plate and be responsible.

Things aren't fair, and with that said, you may have a best friend who is six feet tall and a hundred pounds and eats like a horse on steroids. It isn't fair that you can't do the same, but taking responsibility for your own eating (instead of pouting over hers) will get you much further in the game.

Fast food is cheap, quick, and readily available now, but it isn't the fast food industry's job to make eating decisions for you. Don't blame them for making it so cheap, quick, and available that you have to buy it, choose these eateries only on occasion instead. It is your responsibility to eat well, not their responsibility to hold your hand and guide you to better choices.

Another excuse that I often hear is that there just isn't enough time to exercise. I have heard time and time again that, “I wish I had that kind of time to exercise.” Finding time to exercise is about prioritizing. You do have time. It is your responsibility to make time. Ask your husband to make dinner, let the laundry wait until the weekend; don't put in extra hours at work on a project that can wait until tomorrow. There are some days that you just won't be able to make time, but most days you should add exercise to your routine just like you find time to shower or brush your teeth. Just three ten minute sessions meets the FDA minimum exercise recommendations.

Whenever you find yourself saving that it's someone else's fault, or that it isn't fair, think about what responsibility you're avoiding. What part did you have in making the situation what it is and what parts can you take in changing the situation?

Instead of blaming your toddler for making you eat badly, have him eat better with you. Things like fresh fruits and vegetables are good for everyone. Replacing steak with chicken is a great option too. Just because there aren't snack cakes in your house does not mean that Child Protective Services will be called. Take responsibility for yourself instead of placing blame on other.

Quote:

Our remedies oft' in ourselves do lie.

-William Shakespeare

“Taking responsibility is key to changing your life."
-Tyler Perry

Christine Smith is an Extension Agent in the department of Family & Consumer Sciences with NC Cooperative Extension, NCSU Information on other services available can be found online at http://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/