Taking Responsibility: The Path to Adult Thinking
Childish thinking often leads us to perceive our experiences and circumstances as things that happen to us, without any control or choice on our part. It is a mindset that views oneself as a victim, believing that others and the environment are responsible for the difficulties and challenges faced. This mindset keeps us trapped in a perpetual state of helplessness, seeking pity and sympathy from the world.
However, true adulthood is marked by taking responsibility for our lives and accepting that we have played a role in creating our own reality. It is about acknowledging that we have made choices, consciously or unconsciously, that have led us to our current situation. By embracing this mindset, we empower ourselves to deal with our circumstances and refrain from blaming others or external factors for our predicaments.
Understanding Childish Thinking
Childish thinking is characterized by a lack of personal accountability. It is a state of mind where one sees themselves as a passive recipient of the actions and events happening around them. This perspective often leads to a victim mentality, where one believes that they are at the mercy of the world, unable to influence or shape their own lives.
When we adopt a childish mindset, we tend to view ourselves as innocent victims, unjustly subjected to the whims of others and the environment. We seek pity and sympathy, hoping that others will alleviate our suffering and take responsibility for our well-being. This mindset keeps us stuck in a cycle of dependence, preventing us from growing and maturing into responsible adults.
The Power of Taking Responsibility
On the other hand, embracing adulthood means recognizing that we have agency and control over our own lives. It involves accepting that our choices, actions, and decisions have consequences, both positive and negative. By taking responsibility for our circumstances, we empower ourselves to make changes and take proactive steps towards creating the life we desire.
Taking responsibility allows us to break free from the victim mindset and reclaim our power. Instead of blaming others or external factors, we focus on what we can do to improve our situation. This shift in perspective opens up a world of possibilities, as we realize that we have the ability to shape our own destiny.
Breaking Free from the Victim Mentality
Breaking free from the victim mentality is a transformative process that requires self-reflection and a willingness to change. Here are some steps to help shift from a childish mindset to one of personal responsibility:
1. Self-Awareness
Start by becoming aware of your thoughts and beliefs. Notice when you find yourself blaming others or external circumstances for your challenges. Recognize that this mindset disempowers you and prevents personal growth.
2. Acceptance
Accept that you have played a role in creating your current reality. Understand that your choices, actions, and decisions have contributed to where you are today. This acceptance is not about self-blame or guilt, but rather about acknowledging your power to change.
3. Ownership
Take ownership of your life and circumstances. Instead of waiting for someone else to come to your rescue, recognize that you have the ability to make changes and improve your situation. Focus on what you can control and take proactive steps towards your goals.
4. Learn from Mistakes
View mistakes and failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of dwelling on past missteps, use them as stepping stones towards a better future. Embrace a growth mindset that sees challenges as valuable lessons rather than as evidence of personal shortcomings.
5. Practice Gratitude
Cultivate a mindset of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences life presents. Recognize that even in difficult times, there are lessons to be learned and blessings to be found. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is lacking to what is abundant, fostering a sense of empowerment and positivity.
Embracing Adulthood
Embracing adulthood is a lifelong journey that requires consistent effort and self-reflection. It is a mindset shift from victimhood to personal responsibility, from helplessness to empowerment. By taking ownership of our lives, we break free from the limitations imposed by a childish mindset and open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.
Remember, we are not passive bystanders in our own lives. We have the power to shape our reality, make choices, and create the life we desire. By embracing personal responsibility, we step into adulthood and unlock our true potential.
After UCLA College of Letters where I obtained PhD is Philosophy, Psychology and Religion I got a teaching job at the University. I felt uneasy teaching. I applied for a job in the mental health field; I got many offers and within two years was running the mental health center where I worked, supervising psychologists and psychiatrists who have been in that field for many decades.
Eventually, I felt bored by the job (of been executive director...I was barely thirty two years old when I was the executive director of the largest mental health agency in the city where I lived) and quit and tried doing other things.
Nothing I tried worked out for me. So, I did other executive director jobs but eventually wound up quitting and returning to college teaching until I felt that teaching is too easy for me; I felt unchallenged being a college professor (I filled my time writing on assorted subjects that interested me).
Eventually, I realized that I have a destiny and fate. My normal routine is to read until I go to sleep (although there is a huge TV in the house, I seldom watch it) and get up around 5 AM, think for a while, and then go to my computer and type the thoughts that I just had in my sleep.