Taking Response-Ability

As a speaker, the reading below is something my audiences greatly enjoy.  When I conduct a keynote speech on achieving personal and professional success,  it’s an excellent example of the importance of taking responsibility and holding ourselves accountable for our actions.  Or, as I like to say…”response-ability!”  Let go the mistake but never lose the lesson.  That in itself builds self-confidence and character. Here it is:

Chapter 1.  I  walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in. I am lost. I am helpless. It isn’t my fault! It takes forever to find a way out!

Chapter 2: I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I pretend I don’t see it. I fall in again. I can’t believe I am in the same place, but it isn’t my fault. It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I see it is there. I still fall in. It’s a habit. My eyes are open. I know where I am. It is my fault. I get out immediately.

Chapter 4: I walk down the same street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I walk around it.

Chapter 5: I walk down another street.
By Portia Nelson

Colleen Seward Ryan is available for seminars, keynotes and breakout sessions by calling (623)340-7690.

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